Classic Creme Brulee
Silky vanilla custard with a shattering caramelized sugar crust
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026
Crème brûlée is the most satisfying dessert to eat — crack through the thin, glassy caramel with a spoon to reveal the cold, silky custard beneath.
The custard is just cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Real vanilla bean makes a noticeable difference.
Use a kitchen torch for the sugar crust — a broiler works but a torch gives more control.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for torching
- 1 whole vanilla bean (or 2 tsp extract)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1
Heat cream with vanilla bean seeds until steaming (do not boil).
- 2
Whisk yolks with sugar and salt. Slowly pour hot cream in while whisking.
- 3
Strain into 6 ramekins. Place in a baking pan with 1 inch of hot water.
- 4
Bake at 325°F for 40-45 minutes until set but jiggly in the center.
- 5
Chill at least 4 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with sugar and torch until amber and bubbly.
