3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Classic (Print View)

Silky custard with crisp caramelized topping using only three simple ingredients for an elegant finish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Custard

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 4 large egg yolks
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

→ Topping

04 - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming without boiling.
03 - Combine egg yolks and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a bowl; whisk until pale and slightly thickened.
04 - Slowly add warm cream to yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
05 - Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a large container to ensure smooth texture.
06 - Divide custard evenly among four 6-ounce ramekins.
07 - Place ramekins in a deep baking dish and fill dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
08 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until custards are set yet slightly wobbly at the center.
09 - Remove ramekins from water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
10 - Sprinkle 1 tablespoon granulated sugar evenly over each custard before serving.
11 - Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until deep golden and crisp; let rest 1 to 2 minutes to harden.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the crackling caramel shell and the silky custard underneath is genuinely addictive.
  • You only need three main ingredients, which means you can actually keep the components on hand for unexpected dinner party moments.
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it's honestly just 10 minutes of prep plus patience.
02 -
  • The water bath isn't optional—it's the difference between creamy custard and rubbery scrambled eggs, so don't skip it.
  • Tempering the eggs (adding the cream slowly) prevents lumpy disaster, and it's worth doing carefully the first time you make this.
  • The sugar topping must be caramelized right before serving or it absorbs moisture and loses its crackle.
03 -
  • If you're making these ahead for a dinner party, prepare everything except the sugar topping and refrigerate—caramelize just before guests arrive for maximum impact.
  • Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven temperature, because even 10 degrees off changes whether your custards set properly.
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