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Four Ingredient Crème Brûlé

Silky vanilla custard is topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust for a rich, elegant dessert that's surprisingly simple to make at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (½ cup for the custard, ½ cup for the caramelized topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place four 6-ounce ramekins in a deep baking dish.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and the seeds and pod from the vanilla bean. Heat until the cream is hot but not boiling. Remove from the heat. If using vanilla extract, stir it in after removing the cream from the heat.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ½ cup of the sugar until smooth and slightly pale.
  • Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl to ensure a silky-smooth custard.
  • Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins.
  • Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still have a slight jiggle.
  • Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle each custard evenly with the remaining sugar (about 2 tablespoons per ramekin). Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it turns deep golden brown and crisp. Alternatively, place the ramekins under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Let the caramelized sugar harden for 2–3 minutes, then serve immediately.
    • For the smoothest custard, avoid letting the cream boil.
    Chilling overnight develops the best flavor and texture.
    A thin, even layer of sugar creates the signature crisp, glass-like topping.
    Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an elegant presentation, if desired.