Coffee crème brûlée elevates the classic dessert with a sophisticated coffee flavor, creating a rich and intensely aromatic experience. This recipe guides you through creating this decadent treat, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a personal moment of bliss. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to achieving that perfect crackly sugar crust.
What are the Key Ingredients in Coffee Crème Brûlée?
The foundation of a successful coffee crème brûlée lies in the quality of its ingredients. You'll need:
- Heavy Cream: This provides the rich, creamy base. Use full-fat for the best results.
- Egg Yolks: These act as an emulsifier and contribute to the custard's creamy texture. Use fresh, high-quality yolks.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for both the custard base and the caramelized sugar topping.
- Strong Brewed Coffee: The star of the show! Use freshly brewed, strong coffee for maximum flavor impact. Consider using a dark roast for a bolder taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the coffee notes and adds complexity.
- Turbinado Sugar (for the topping): This coarse sugar provides a beautiful, thick, and crackly crust when caramelized.
How do I Make Coffee Crème Brûlée?
This recipe creates six individual servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Turbinado sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even baking and a silky smooth custard.
- Combine the cream, coffee, and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.
- Whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. This step ensures the yolks are fully incorporated and prevents curdling.
- Temper the egg yolks: Gradually whisk about 1/4 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, tempering them and preventing them from scrambling.
- Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the remaining cream mixture, whisking constantly. This ensures a smooth and homogenous custard.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. This removes any lumps or bits of egg that may have formed.
- Divide the custard evenly among six ramekins. Use oven-safe ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a baking dish. Pour enough hot water into the baking dish to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins (bain-marie). This ensures even baking and prevents cracking.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custards are just set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the custard to set completely and develop its flavor.
- Just before serving, sprinkle a generous layer of turbinado sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, golden-brown crust.
How Long Does Coffee Crème Brûlée Last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your coffee crème brûlée will last for up to 3 days. The caramelized sugar crust will soften over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Can I Make Coffee Crème Brûlée Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time is highly recommended, as the flavors meld together beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Just caramelize the sugar topping right before serving.
What Type of Coffee Should I Use for Coffee Crème Brûlée?
The best type of coffee for crème brûlée is a strong brew with a rich flavor profile. Dark roasts often work well because of their intense flavor, but you can experiment with different roasts to find your preference. Freshly brewed coffee is crucial for the best results.
Is Coffee Crème Brûlée Difficult to Make?
While it involves a few steps, coffee crème brûlée is not overly difficult to make. The key is to follow the instructions carefully, use good-quality ingredients, and be patient during the baking and chilling process. The result is a truly rewarding dessert!
This recipe will guide you towards creating a memorable coffee crème brûlée experience. Enjoy!
