You’ll Love This Shortcut Creme Brulee Recipe
When you say creme brulee out loud, it rolls off the tongue in a really smooth, seductive way. Eating the velvety custard dessert is even more pleasing, but who has time to perfect such a complex recipe? Luckily, there’s a simplified version of creme brulee that’s gone viral as it contains just three ingredients and tastes like the real thing. In addition to the few ingredients, you don’t need a pricey chef’s touch to create that signature “burnt” topping on the dessert. Here’s how to make a three-ingredient tasty creme brulee that feels like you’re dining in a French restaurant—even though you’re in the comfort of your home!
What is creme brulee?
Creme brulee is a baked custard dessert that means “burnt cream” in French, though the dairy isn’t actually scorched. First, a custard mixture is baked in a pan of hot water until the center is set. Then, once baked and cooled, a layer of sugar is sprinkled onto the custard and browned with a torch to create a solid crust. The result is a sweet and creamy dessert with crunchy bits of caramelized sugar in each bite. You definitely earn brownie points by making creme brulee at home, which couldn’t be easier thanks to a surprise shortcut!
Easy shortcut to making creme brulee
Most creme brulee recipes involve making a custard with egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar and vanilla before it’s poured into ramekins. The good news: You can get an “instant” custard base simply by melting a few scoops of ice cream in the microwave. “A good ice cream starts with an expertly made custard base,” food writer Rochelle Bilow says. “To achieve this, the milk and cream are combined with sugar and cooked over the stovetop. Egg yolk is whisked in and the mixture is cooked slowly until it thickens.” Since much of the hard work has already been done in creating a silky custard base, what’s left is mixing the melted ice cream with an egg yolk. This ensures it bakes into a soft yet set creme brulee.
