Coffee Crème Brûlée

Coffee Crème Brûlée is the ultimate indulgence for coffee lovers. This decadent dessert takes the classic French crème brûlée to the next level by infusing the custard with rich coffee flavor. The creamy, velvety custard is perfectly balanced with the crispy, caramelized sugar topping, making each bite an unforgettable treat. Whether you are hosting a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a luxurious dessert at home, Coffee Crème Brûlée is sure to impress.

• Heavy cream: 2 cups, the rich base for the custard that gives it its creamy texture.
• Ground coffee: 2 tablespoons, either espresso or coffee beans, for the coffee flavor that infuses the custard.
• Egg yolks: 5 large, used to create the smooth custard texture.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, for sweetening the custard mixture.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor of the custard.
• Light brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling on top of the custard and caramelizing to form the signature brûlée crust.

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place four 6-ounce ramekins in a roasting pan.

Step 2:

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and ground coffee over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to simmer, remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to extract the coffee flavor.

Step 3:

Whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and light.

Step 4:

Slowly strain the coffee-infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Step 5:

Add vanilla extract to the mixture and stir well.

Step 6:

Pour the custard mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins.

Step 7:

Add hot water to the roasting pan until the ramekins are halfway submerged.

Step 8:

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 9:

Let the ramekins cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.

Step 10:

Before serving, sprinkle light brown sugar on top of the custard and caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch.

• Allow the crème brûlée to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to achieve the ideal texture.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use a broiler to caramelize the sugar, but be sure to watch carefully to avoid burning the topping.
• Store any leftover crème brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of ground coffee to 3 tablespoons.
• For a more decadent version, substitute some of the heavy cream with whole milk, though the custard may be slightly less rich.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Julia Child recommended using a mix of espresso and regular coffee to achieve a balanced but bold flavor in crème brûlée.

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