Easy Creme Brulee Recipe
Warm the cream – heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming, and then add vanilla extract and remove from heat.
Add the eggs – whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt together in a separate bowl, and then slowly pour the hot cream into the mixture while whisking.
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (optional, but it helps ensure the silkiest consistency). Pour into 6 (4 oz) ramekins and then place them into a casserole dish.
Water bath – add boiling hot water to the casserole dish, and bake the creme brulee at 325˚F for 30-35 minutes (if using larger ramekins, increase the baking time). Crème brûlée is done when the centers are nearly set, with a slight wobble when you give the pan a jolt. Overbaking will result in a firm, more flan-like consistency rather than a creamy custard. Cool on a wire rack, cover, and then refrigerate at least 2 hours to set.
Photo collage showing the process for preparing creme brulee in ramekins.
Caramelize the Sugar – Just before serving, swirl up to 2 tsp sugar evenly over the custards, and then torch the top using circular motions until the sugar becomes deep amber in color.
Overhead view of large and small kitchen torches on a countertop next to a can of butane.
Pro Tip:
A small, inexpensive handheld multi-purpose torch does the job. I picked up mine at Home Depot along with a can of butane. Also, a flame-thrower torch borrowed from the garage will also work fine.
Overhead view of creme brulee topped with raspberries, with the caramelized sugar topping cracked with a spoon.
Can I Make Creme Brulee Without a Torch?
True, you won’t hear that iconic “crack,” but I’ve tested other ways to make the hard caramelized topping (including under an oven broiler), but they don’t turn out consistently. Save yourself some frustration, and instead and try these toppings instead:
Fresh Raspberries – or mixed berries with a mint leaf for color
Citrus – orange or tangerine segments with citrus zest
Berry Sauce – homemade Strawberry Sauce, or berry sauce from our Panna Cotta
Caramel – drizzle your creme brulee with Caramel Sauce or Butterscotch Sauce
Shaved bittersweet chocolate also makes an easy substitute for the crackly sugar topping.
Three ramekins of creme brulee topped with raspberries, one with the caramelized sugar topping cracked with a spoon.
I hope you’re inspired to whip up some quick and easy creme brulee this week! It’s easily one of my favorite desserts to make whenever I entertain, since it’s effortlessly impressive and so tasty.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes each day!
Email Address
Creme brulee topped with raspberries, with the caramelized sugar topping cracked with a spoon.
4.94 from 261 votes
Creme Brulee
Prep Time:
15minutes mins
Cook Time:
30minutes mins
Cooling Time:
2hours hrs
Total Time:
2hours hrs 45minutes mins
Creme Brulee is one of our favorite easy dessert recipes, made with only 5 ingredients. The silky texture and rich vanilla flavor make this homemade creme brulee recipe taste restaurant-quality with that iconic “crack.” The silky custard takes a few minutes to mix and can be made up to 3 days before serving. Use a blow torch to melt sugar over the top just before serving, crack your spoon into it and enjoy.
Ingredients
