Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée is a classic dessert, cherished by many generations, often associated with pleasant childhood memories. This simple yet refined recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction, and its velvety taste will win you over from the very first spoonful. I will share with you step by step every detail to turn this recipe into a guaranteed success, just as I learned from my mother.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 6 fresh eggs
- 13 tablespoons of granulated sugar (7 for caramel)
- 1 liter of milk (preferably whole for a creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon essence

A bit of history

Crème brûlée is a traditional dessert with deep roots in culinary history. It is known by various names and variations around the world. Although the recipe may vary, the basic ingredients – eggs, milk, and sugar – remain constant. This simple combination has led to the creation of an elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a party.

Step by step for a perfect crème brûlée

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Start by separating the eggs if you prefer a fluffier texture, but you can also use whole eggs. It is essential that the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid coagulating the eggs when mixing. I recommend using whole milk, as it will provide a unique creaminess.

Step 2: Preparing the mixture

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs well together with 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
2. Gradually add the warm milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Incorporate the lemon essence to add a touch of freshness.

Step 3: Caramelizing the sugar

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the 7 tablespoons of sugar for caramelization.
2. Let the sugar melt gradually, avoiding stirring. You can gently swirl the pan to distribute the heat evenly. When the sugar turns a golden amber, use a spatula to spread it on the sides of the pan. Be careful, as the caramel can reach very high temperatures and cause burns.
3. Once you have a uniform layer of caramel, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Baking the cream

1. Carefully pour the milk and egg mixture over the caramel in the saucepan.
2. Preheat the oven to 160°C and prepare a large baking tray. Fill the tray with hot water to create a water bath for even baking of the cream.
3. Place the saucepan with the cream in the water tray and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the cream is set and starts to pull away from the edges. You can check if it’s ready by inserting a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cream is done.

Step 5: Cooling and serving

1. After the cream is baked, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to intensify and the texture to become perfect.
2. Serve the crème brûlée cold, with a berry or chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast. You can also add some fresh fruits for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips

- If you prefer a less caramelized cream, you can reduce the amount of sugar for caramel or add more eggs to the mixture.
- I recommend using high-quality sugar for a tastier caramel.
- You can experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to customize the dessert.

Nutritional values (per approximate serving)

- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use skim milk?
- Yes, but the cream will be less creamy. We recommend whole milk for optimal texture.

2. How can I avoid lumps?
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, and stir the mixture constantly.

3. What can I do if the caramel crystallizes?
- Try not to stir the sugar during caramelization. If it crystallizes, you can add a tablespoon of water and reheat gently.

Delicious pairings

Crème brûlée pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a warm herbal tea. You can also enjoy the dessert alongside a sponge cake or fluffy cookies, which will add a contrasting texture.

Possible variations

- Chocolate crème brûlée: Add 200 g of melted dark chocolate to the milk and egg mixture.
- Coffee crème brûlée: Replace part of the milk with strong coffee for an intense flavor.

In conclusion, crème brûlée is a dessert that, although simple, can bring a lot of joy and beautiful memories. With a little patience and a few tricks, you will achieve a result worthy of the best restaurants. Enjoy!