Name: Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; ⅓ cup granulated sugar, divided; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ vanilla bean, scraped; 1 egg yolk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup granulated sugar, for brûlée

If you’re anything like me, a perfectly creamy vanilla custard topped with that addictive crackly caramel is downright irresistible. This Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe brings that classic French elegance right to your kitchen, and trust me, it’s easier than you think!

A white ceramic ramekin filled with crème brûlée, showing three layers: a thin, caramelized golden-brown sugar crust on top with a slightly cracked texture, beneath it a creamy, pale yellow custard layer visible where a spoon has scooped it out. A gold spoon is lifting a scoop with remnants of the crispy caramel crust sticking to the smooth, thick custard. The ramekin is placed on a light wooden board, and the surface beneath the board has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore making crème brûlée at home — it always feels like a special occasion, but it’s really straightforward once you get the hang of it. There’s something magical about cracking into that caramelized sugar crust to reveal the luscious custard underneath.

Classic & Elegant: This recipe nails that authentic French crème brûlée taste with a rich, velvety vanilla custard base.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: Baking in a water bath ensures a silky smooth, tender custard every time.
Easy to Customize: Simple swaps let you try almond, coffee, or peppermint flavors if you’re feeling adventurous.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and chill — then torch the sugar top just before serving for that wow factor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, a quick tip: for the best results, use quality ingredients like fresh vanilla beans and heavy cream from trusted sources. These little details make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of two whole brown eggs with clean shells, one small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, one small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, one half vanilla bean pod split open showing the seeds, one small white ceramic bowl of golden caramelized sugar, and one small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Heavy Cream: The backbone of any great crème brûlée, lending rich, silky smoothness to the custard.
Granulated Sugar: Used both in the custard and for the brûlée topping to create that signature crackly surface.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Vanilla Bean: Fresh vanilla bean adds the most authentic and intense flavor compared to extracts alone.
Egg Yolk and Whole Egg: These combine to set the custard to the perfect creamy consistency without making it rubbery.
Vanilla Extract: A touch boosts the vanilla profile, complementing the vanilla bean beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like a subtle twist or a bold new flavor, it’s your canvas for creativity!

Almond Variation: I love swapping the vanilla bean for a splash of almond extract. It adds a warm, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the classic caramelized sugar crust.
Coffee Twist: For a little morning indulgence, exchanging vanilla for coffee extract creates a sophisticated mocha-flavored crème brûlée. Just a few drops pack a punch!
Peppermint Delight: Around the holidays, I like to use peppermint extract for a refreshing, festive version. Be sure to add it sparingly, as it’s quite strong.
No Torch? No Problem: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, try making dry caramel on the stove and carefully pouring it over chilled custards. It creates a thicker crust but maintains that satisfyingly crunchy top.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

A close view of a dessert in a white round dish with a caramelized golden-brown top layer that looks crisp and shiny. Below this top is a creamy, smooth creamy yellow custard layer that is soft and thick. The dessert is decorated with a few fresh red raspberries on top. A woman's hand with red-painted nails holds a gold spoon lifting a small serving that shows the caramel layer on top and the creamy custard inside. The dishes rest on a white marbled textured surface with some extra raspberries scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and prepare your oven

First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 325°F. This moderate temperature is perfect for baking the custards gently, ensuring they set with a silky, smooth texture without curdling.

Step 2: Infuse your cream with vanilla magic

In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, half the sugar (about 3 tablespoons), kosher salt, and the scraped half vanilla bean plus its pod. Heat slowly just until it simmers – watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over. This step extracts those precious vanilla flavors that make the custard so dreamy.

Step 3: Whisk your eggs and sugar till light

While your cream is heating, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 whole large egg vigorously. Then add the remaining sugar (about 3 tablespoons) and whisk until the mixture lightens in color and thickens just slightly—a technique called blanchir. This step adds air and creates a smooth custard texture.

Step 4: Temper your eggs carefully

Slowly pour a bit of the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to gently raise the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them. Keep adding the cream gradually while whisking continuously until fully combined. A little tip: place a kitchen towel under your bowl to stabilize it during this process.

Step 5: Remove foam and pour into ramekins

Skim off any foam floating on the surface of the cream mixture to keep your custard silky smooth. Then evenly divide the custard among six 3-ounce ramekins. Using a kitchen scale or a measuring cup helps ensure your custards bake evenly.

Step 6: Set up your water bath

Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish or roasting pan. Cover the pan loosely with foil, leaving a corner slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. VERY carefully pour hot water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins—avoid splashing water into your custards!

Step 7: Bake to a perfect jiggle

Bake for about 30 minutes on the middle oven rack. The custards are done when the centers have a gentle jiggle, like firm jello—no liquid wobbling! A small spoon placed on top should hold weight without sinking in.

Step 8: Cool, cover, and chill

Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath using tongs or a towel—those edges can be hot! Let them cool to room temperature on the counter. Then tightly cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Well-chilled custard will give you that perfect crackling crust when you brûlée.

Step 9: Time to brûlée—caramelize that sugar!

When ready to serve, sprinkle about half a tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Tilt the ramekin gently to spread the sugar in a thin, even layer where the custard is still visible through the sugar. Using a kitchen torch, start melting the sugar from a distance, gradually moving closer and increasing speed until you achieve a deep amber caramel crust. Let it set for about 3 minutes—then dig in!

Top Tip

Mastering the Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe hinges on a few key touches that truly elevate this classic dessert from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips from my own kitchen adventures that can make all the difference.

Use a Kitchen Scale: Weighing out your custard evenly into six 3-ounce ramekins ensures they bake uniformly and makes a huge difference in texture consistency.
Temper the Eggs Slowly: When adding the hot cream to the eggs, go slowly and whisk constantly. This prevents scrambling and keeps your custard silky smooth—something I learned to respect after a few too many lumpy batches!
Chill Thoroughly Before Brûlée: Let your custards chill for at least two hours, or better yet overnight. A cold base helps the caramelized sugar crust develop that signature crack without melting into the custard.
Foam Removal Is a Must: Skim off the foam before baking to prevent uneven surfaces and bubbles in your custard, giving you that perfectly smooth finish every time.

How to Serve Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

A clear glass bowl containing a smooth golden yellow liquid being mixed with a metal whisk. From the right side of the image, a white bowl is pouring a light, frothy white mixture into the glass bowl, creating swirling patterns as the two mixtures combine. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background. The photo captures the motion of mixing ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To complement the rich, silky custard and crunchy caramel top, try garnishing with fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries, a sprig of mint for color, or a light dusting of powdered sugar around the ramekin edges. A few edible flowers also add a charming touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

While crème brûlée is a dessert star on its own, pairing it with a light fruit salad or a citrus sorbet adds a refreshing contrast. For a cozy dinner, a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes perfectly rounds out the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover crème brûlée should be tightly covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to one week. Just make sure the custard has cooled to room temperature before wrapping, so condensation doesn’t form inside the container.

Freezing

Freezing crème brûlée isn't ideal because the texture of the custard can change and become grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you must freeze, store without the caramelized sugar topping, and consume within one month for best quality.

Reheating

Since crème brûlée is traditionally served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. If desired, bring it to room temperature before torching the sugar topping. This helps maintain the custard’s creamy texture beneath the signature crackly caramel crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

Yes! You can substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for the half vanilla bean. It won’t have the same speckled appearance or depth of flavor but will still deliver delicious vanilla notes in your custard.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

No worries! You can make dry caramel on the stove by melting about 1 cup of sugar until amber, then carefully pour it over chilled custards. This creates a thicker crust but still delivers that delightful crackle.

How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?

The best test is the jiggle—after 30 minutes at 325°F, the center should wobble like jello without being liquid. This ensures the custard is set but still creamy.

Can I prepare the custard base in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the custard mixture ahead of time, store it refrigerated (covered), then bake and torch the brûlée when ready to serve. Just be sure to bring the custard to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Creamy Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe is such a rewarding experience—there’s something truly magic about cracking through that golden caramelized sugar to reveal the silky custard beneath. With a bit of patience and care, you’ll impress your family and friends with an elegant dessert that feels as special as a French patisserie offering. Enjoy every spoonful!