Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Recipe
If you have a soft spot for desserts that combine luscious creaminess with a perfect crunch, then you are absolutely going to adore this Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée. This classic French custard gets a delightful twist with the rich sweetness of homemade caramel balanced by a touch of sea salt, creating an irresistibly silky filling beneath a crisp, glassy caramelized sugar top. Whether you are treating yourself or impressing guests, this dessert offers a stunning presentation and complex flavors that make every spoonful a moment to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and success for your Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée. Each one plays a starring role: the cream brings richness and smoothness, the egg yolks provide structure and silkiness, and the sugar transforms into golden caramel that crowns the custard with a crisp, crackling shell.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Essential for making the luscious caramel that flavors the custard and forms the crunchy topping.
- 2 cups cream: Heavy cream adds a velvety texture and decadent mouthfeel to the custard base.
- 4 egg yolks: These bind the custard beautifully while keeping it wonderfully creamy.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that complements the caramel perfectly.
- Pinch of sea salt: A subtle but vital ingredient that balances sweetness and enhances the caramel’s complexity.
How to Make Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée
Step 1: Craft the Caramel
Begin by slowly heating the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it melts and turns a rich golden amber. This step is crucial because it develops the deep caramel flavor that defines the dish. Once you achieve the perfect color, carefully whisk in the cream, which will bubble vigorously—take care to stir continuously until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
While the caramel cools slightly, whisk the egg yolks until they’re pale and a bit fluffy. Gradually pour in the warm caramel cream mixture to temper the yolks, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Then, add the vanilla and a pinch of sea salt to bring out the sweet and savory notes that make Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée utterly enchanting.
Step 3: Bake in a Water Bath
Pour the silky custard evenly into ramekins, then place them in a baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish, coming halfway up the ramekins’ sides—this gentle water bath creates the ideal moist heat for the custard to set evenly without cracking. Bake at 160°C for about 30 to 35 minutes until the custards are just set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Step 4: Chill and Caramelize the Top
After baking, refrigerate the custards for at least two hours to fully set and develop flavor. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar across the surface and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it into a hard, glossy crust. The satisfying crack of the caramel shell as you dig in is the best part!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée
Garnishes
A few well-chosen garnishes can elevate your Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée from delicious to dazzling. Consider a sprinkling of flaky sea salt to accentuate the salted caramel flavor, or a light dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts for added texture. Fresh berries also add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich custard.
Side Dishes
Though this dessert can star solo, pairing your Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée with complementary sides like a crisp shortbread cookie or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can add delightful textural contrast and create a more indulgent experience. Light, fruity accompaniments work wonders to balance the rich, creamy custard.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the pleasure with Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée. Serve it in classic white ramekins for elegant simplicity, or go for clear glass containers to showcase the luscious layers. You can even create mini versions in espresso cups or decorative molds for a charming party treat. Adding edible flowers or gold leaf accents can turn this beloved dessert into true eye candy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to three days. The chill helps maintain the custard’s texture and keeps the caramel topping crisp once torched fresh before serving.
Freezing
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the custard and cause separation. If you must freeze, store only the custard base without the caramel topping in an airtight container and thaw gently in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Because the charm of Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée lies in its cold, creamy custard with a warm, crispy top, reheating is usually unnecessary. If needed, allow chilled custards to sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then torch the sugar topping just before serving to revive that signature crackling finish.
FAQs
Can I use granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?
Yes, granulated sugar works perfectly for making both the caramel and the topping. Just ensure it melts evenly over medium heat to avoid burning.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch? How can I caramelize the top?
No torch? No problem! You can place the sugared ramekins under a hot broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the sugar melts and turns golden brown.
Is it necessary to use a water bath when baking the custard?
Absolutely. The water bath prevents the custard from baking too quickly or cracking by providing gentle, even heat, ensuring a creamy, silky texture throughout.
Why does my Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée sometimes have bubbles or cracks?
Overheating or baking without a water bath can cause bubbling or cracking. Be patient with the caramel and bake at a low temperature for best results. Also, ensure a gradual cooling period in the fridge.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée relies on eggs and cream for its texture and flavor, so making a fully vegan version requires alternative ingredients and techniques, such as coconut cream and plant-based egg substitutes, but it won’t taste quite the same as the classic.
Final Thoughts
Diving into a dish like Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée is truly a celebration of textures and flavors that always feels special. Its creamy custard, luscious salted caramel, and satisfyingly crisp top come together to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s guaranteed to become a favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.
