White Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe

Introduction

White Chocolate Crème Brûlée is a luxurious twist on the classic French dessert. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the sweetness of white chocolate creates an irresistible treat topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate until fully melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract until pale and thick. Gradually pour the warm white chocolate cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
3. Step 3: Strain the custard through a fine sieve into ramekins to ensure a silky texture. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let cool briefly so the sugar hardens, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra smooth custard, strain the mixture twice before baking.
• Try adding a hint of citrus zest or a splash of liqueur for a unique flavor twist.
• If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the sugar topping for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Storage

Store any leftover crème brûlée covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best to caramelize the sugar topping just before serving to maintain its crisp texture. Reheat slightly under a broiler or with a torch if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the crème brûlée ahead of time?

Yes, the custard can be prepared and baked in advance, then refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just wait to caramelize the sugar topping until right before serving.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the ramekins close to the broiler and watch carefully to avoid burning, usually 1-2 minutes.

White Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

This elegant White Chocolate Crème Brûlée combines the rich, silky texture of classic crème brûlée with the smooth sweetness of white chocolate. Baked to perfection and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust, this dessert is a luxurious treat perfect for special occasions or anytime you desire a sophisticated and creamy delight.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Custard

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a deep baking dish and place four ramekins inside.
2. Heat Cream and Melt Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped white chocolate, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
3. Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and half a cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
4. Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the warm white chocolate cream into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking to temper the eggs and create a smooth custard.
5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the custard with a rich flavor.
6. Pour and Bake: Pour the custard evenly into the ramekins. Place the baking dish filled with ramekins into the oven, then carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins, creating a water bath for gentle baking.
7. Bake Until Set: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Chill: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to fully set.
9. Caramelize Sugar Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow sugar to harden for a minute.
10. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the cool creamy custard and the warm crisp burnt sugar top.

Notes

• Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the sugared ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Allow custards to chill thoroughly as this helps them set perfectly and enhances flavor.
• Be careful when handling the water bath to avoid spills or burns.

Keywords: White Chocolate Crème Brûlée, creamy dessert, baked custard, caramelized sugar, French dessert, elegant dessert