3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of indulging in a velvety, luscious dessert that feels both elegant and simple, then this 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe is about to become your new favorite. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe transforms heavy cream, egg yolks, and sugar into a luxuriously creamy custard crowned with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. The result is a stunning dessert that delights with its contrast of smooth richness and crisp sweetness in every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only three wholesome ingredients form the heart of this recipe, proving that simplicity can yield extraordinary flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, sweetness, and color that define classic crème brûlée.

• 2 cups heavy cream: The foundation for a smooth, rich custard with a silky mouthfeel.
• 4 large egg yolks: These add creaminess and help thicken the custard to that iconic gentle wobble.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for custard): Sweetens the base just enough while blending seamlessly with the cream.
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top to create a crisp, caramelized crust that’s the signature finale.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature will gently cook the custard to silky perfection without curdling or overbaking. The water bath technique we’ll use later also helps regulate the heat, ensuring even cooking.

Step 2: Warm the Heavy Cream

In a saucepan over medium heat, gently heat the heavy cream until it’s steaming hot but does not boil. This step releases the cream’s rich flavors and prepares it for blending smoothly with the egg yolks, creating that dreamy texture.

Step 3: Whisk Yolks and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the 4 large egg yolks with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This process adds air and develops the custard’s delicate sweetness and color.

Step 4: Combine the Cream and Egg Mixture

Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This gradual mixing prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky-smooth custard base.

Step 5: Strain the Custard

To ensure a perfectly smooth custard, pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl. This removes any small cooked bits or lumps, giving you that pure, creamy finish that makes crème brûlée so irresistible.

Step 6: Pour into Ramekins and Prepare Water Bath

Divide the custard evenly among four 6-ounce ramekins. Place these ramekins in a deep baking dish, then pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the ramekins’ sides. This water bath protects the custard from direct oven heat, helping it set gently.

Step 7: Bake the Custards

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the custards are set but still jiggle slightly in the center when gently shaken. This timing is key for achieving the perfect creamy consistency that melts on your tongue.

Step 8: Chill Thoroughly

Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling not only firms up the custard but also allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 9: Add and Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over each custard’s surface. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a thin, golden crust that crackles delightfully when tapped. Let the brûlée rest for 1 to 2 minutes before digging in.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe

Garnishes

While this classic dessert shines on its own, you can elevate the presentation with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and tartness that complements the sweet creaminess beautifully. A small sprig of mint adds a refreshing aroma and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve the crème brûlée alongside light fruit salads or a crisp glass of dessert wine to balance its richness. Fresh figs or poached pears also pair wonderfully, creating an elegant duo of textures and flavors that impress your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, consider serving the crème brûlée in mini mason jars or shallow porcelain dishes for that rustic charm. You can also create a layered dessert by adding a thin biscuit or shortbread base beneath the custard before baking, adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover crème brûlée covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the caramelized sugar crust unbrûléed until ready to serve to preserve its crackly texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the custard’s texture tends to become grainy and watery upon thawing, which detracts from that silky smooth experience you expect from crème brûlée.

Reheating

If you prefer your crème brûlée slightly warmed, gently reheat it in a low oven until just warm but avoid microwaving, as it can alter the delicate texture. Always re-caramelize the sugar topping fresh before serving for the perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe?

Heavy cream is essential for the rich, creamy texture of crème brûlée. Using milk will make the custard thinner and less luscious, so it’s best to stick to heavy cream for authentic results.

What can I do if I don’t have a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar?

You can place the ramekins under a preheated broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to brown the sugar evenly without burning. Stand close and be attentive, as this method works quickly.

How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?

The custard should be mostly set with a slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the ramekin. It will also firm up more during chilling, so avoid overbaking to prevent a curdled texture.

Can I prepare the custard base ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and pour the custard into ramekins the night before and refrigerate. Just bake them fresh on the day you plan to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Why is it important to use a water bath for baking this 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe?

The water bath provides gentle, even heat around the custard, preventing the eggs from cooking too fast or curdling. This method produces the signature creaminess and smoothness.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Recipe truly proves that fantastic desserts don’t need to be complicated. With just a few kitchen staples and simple steps, you can wow yourself and your guests with an elegant treat that feels like a fancy restaurant classic. I hope you enjoy making and savoring every spoonful of this creamy, caramelized delight as much as I do!

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