🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract)
• 5 egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• pinch of salt

📖 Instructions

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours minimum (overnight is best)
Skill Level: Intermediate (but very doable!)

🍦 Infuse the Cream
In a saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until just steaming (not boiling).
If using a vanilla bean, split it, scrape the seeds into the cream, and add the pod. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If using extract, add it after removing from heat.

🥄 Whisk the Yolks
In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.

🌡 Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents curdling.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth custard.

🔥 Bake in a Water Bath
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Pour the custard into 4 ramekins.
Place ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water around them (about halfway up the sides).
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just a little jiggly.

❄️ Chill
Remove ramekins from the water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

🔥 Caramelize the Sugar
Right before serving, sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of sugar over each custard.
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
(Or use a broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully!)
Let stand 1–2 minutes so the top hardens into that perfect, crackable crust.

🪄 Serve & Enjoy
Serve chilled with fresh berries, a mint sprig, or as-is—just crack and dig in!

🍷 Best Wine Pairings for Crème Brûlée:
1. Sauternes (France)
🍯 Flavor: Honeyed, with notes of apricot, orange peel, and tropical fruit.

2. Tokaji Aszú (Hungary)
🍊 Flavor: Lush, with flavors of dried fruit, honey, and orange zest.

3. Late Harvest Riesling
🍎 Flavor: Rich, with ripe fruit notes (apples, peaches, and honey) and crisp acidity.

4. Moscato d'Asti (Italy)
🍇 Flavor: Lightly sweet with notes of orange blossom, peach, and apricot.

5. Vin Santo (Italy)
🍇 Flavor: Nutty, caramelized flavors with hints of dried fruit and a long, smooth finish.

🍸 Bonus: Champagne or Sparkling Wine
🍾 Flavor: Dry, crisp, with some light fruitiness.