StudentMealSaver

Budget Friendly Meals and tips for Students

Crème Brûlée

Brûlée Bliss on a Budget

Crème Brûlée is a timeless dessert known for its rich, silky custard and crunchy caramelized sugar top. This budget-friendly recipe offers a simple and cost-effective way to create this classic French delight at home. With just a few common ingredients and minimal effort, you can impress your guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dessert without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into this easy Crème Brûlée recipe and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Tips:

  • For a budget-friendly option, you can use regular granulated sugar for both the custard and caramelizing the top. However, if you want a more traditional touch, you can use superfine or caster sugar for caramelizing the sugar crust, as it melts and caramelizes more evenly.
  • Be sure to keep an eye on the custards as they bake, as overbaking can result in a curdled texture.

Servings: 4

Cooking time: 45-50 minutes

Cost: $5-7

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place 4 ramekins or custard cups in a baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined and slightly pale in color.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt to the bowl, and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the custard mixture into the ramekins or custard cups, filling them almost to the top.
  5. Place the baking dish with the ramekins in the preheated oven, and carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, filling it halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath.
  6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the custard are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
  7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath. Allow them to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy golden crust.
  9. Let the Crème Brûlée sit for a minute or two to allow the sugar to harden, and then serve and enjoy your homemade budget-friendly Crème Brûlée!

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt