Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
## Introduction
Let your love story unfold with the sweet delight of Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. This creamy and delicious dessert is a classic French delight that oozes romance and elegance. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, impress your sweetheart with a homemade ramekin of love.
## Why Make This Recipe
If you are looking for a simple yet decadent dessert to celebrate this occasion, the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée is the perfect choice. It is a luxurious treat that speaks the language of love – sweet, warm, and comforting.
## How to Make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
### Ingredients :
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
### Directions :
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, and vanilla bean over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until it turns pale and thick, then gradually whisk in the warm cream.
4. Pour the custard mixture into two ramekins and place the ramekins into a baking dish filled with hot water. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool down, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly on top of each custard before serving. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch until golden and bubbly.
## How to Serve Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Serve this elegant dessert immediately in a ramekin to enjoy the perfect combination of creamy custard and crunchy caramelized sugar. Pair it with a glass of your favorite wine for a romantic touch.
## How to Store Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Once cooled, you can cover the ramekin with the plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Remember to add the sugar topping only before you are ready to serve to avoid a soggy crust.
## Tips to Make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Ensure that the water bath does not get into the ramekin while baking. This can affect the texture of your dessert.
## Variation
You can use vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean for a twist on flavor in this recipe.
## FAQs
Q: What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
A: You can broil the top under a very hot grill for a few minutes to get the sugar caramelized.
Q: Can I make a dairy-free version?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a rich, full-fat coconut milk.
Q: Can I use a different topping other than sugar?
A: Classic Crème Brûlée is known for its sugar topping, but for a twist, you can use brown sugar or flavored sugar.