Creme Brulee

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2005

Show: Good EatsEpisode: My Pod

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (106)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(106)

Cook Time:
1 hr 0 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
6 servings

Times:

Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: 2 hr 15 min
Cook: 1 hr 0 min
Total:: 3 hr 30 min

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Ingredients

1 quart heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 cup vanilla sugar, divided
6 large egg yolks
2 quarts hot water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Place the cream, vanilla bean and its pulp into a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean and reserve for another use.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and the egg yolks until well blended and it just starts to lighten in color. Add the cream a little at a time, stirring continually. Pour the liquid into 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins into a large cake pan or roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake just until the creme brulee is set, but still trembling in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.

Remove the creme brulee from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to browning the sugar on top. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar equally among the 6 dishes and spread evenly on top. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Allow the creme brulee to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Creme Brulee
andy belmont, NC 11-10-2009
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One of my most requested desserts
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Excellent nothing else says it quite as well!!!
recipe Creme Brulee
Stacie Morrisville, NC 11-06-2009
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What's "vanilla sugar"?
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

"Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar" -- er, _what_ vanilla sugar? I can figure something out but I've read this... recipe several times and don't see how to make the vanilla sugar. But I'm trying it anyway atop Napoleans collared with alum foil and stuck under the broiler for a few. I feel like such a risk-taker... I give it 4 stars cuz I'm sure it's worth it.Read more
recipe Creme Brulee
Dee Alpharetta, GA 10-17-2009
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I LOVED THIS RECIPE
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Unbelievable taste and consistency. I had never made creme brulee before, but was looking for a dessert for my dinner party... at the last minute. Made it early in the day and nothing could have been simpler. Even those that said 'no' to dessert initially were lapping it up at the end. This one is a keeper. BTW, Costco sells vanilla beans that make this dish fairly economical. Read more
recipe Creme Brulee
Stephanie Agoura Hills, CA 10-10-2009
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AMAZING
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

this is the best creme brulee i have ever had, we love it!!!
recipe Creme Brulee
Kevin Fort Drum , NY 10-10-2009
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Awesome flavor and easier to make than you think!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Great taste and really easy to make. vanilla bean is cheap on ebay and actually good quality. I made it with extract as well... and came out just as good. If your going to make it just give it enough time to set up. sometimes overnight is better.Read more
recipe Creme Brulee
Naomi Brooklyn, NY 10-08-2009
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Vanilla's not as expensive as you think
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This recipe turn out great for me, as my first time making creme brulee. I just want to point out to the people complaining... about the expense of vanilla beans (or those who just don't keep them on hand) - don't buy them at the supermarket! I found some online after a google search for less than a dollar each, and probably much fresher than the sad beans sitting in glass spice jars for who knows how long. I bought 10 beans for $13 with shipping and now I have so many recepies to explore. Read more