Description
Transform store-bought custard into a luxuriously creamy crème brûlée with just 3 simple hacks! Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe skips the fuss but keeps the elegance of crackly caramelized sugar and silky custard.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups high-quality store-bought custard (thick, not pourable)
- 4 large egg yolks (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (if custard is unflavored)
- ½ cup superfine sugar (for caramelizing)
- Optional add-ins: 1 tsp citrus zest, 1 tbsp bourbon, or ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Thicken the Custard (Optional):
Whisk egg yolks into store-bought custard. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5-7 mins). Cool slightly. - Flavor Boost:
Stir in vanilla, citrus zest, or bourbon. Divide into 4 ramekins. Chill 2+ hours. - Caramelize the Sugar:
Sprinkle 1-2 tbsp superfine sugar evenly over each ramekin. Torch in circular motions until golden and bubbly (or broil 1-2 mins). Serve immediately!
Notes
- No Torch? Use your oven’s broiler—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Vegan Option: Swap custard for coconut milk-based version and use coconut sugar.
- Storage: Keep un-torched custard in ramekins for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins (plus 2 hrs chilling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (Broiler Optional)
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: ~300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 210mg (without egg yolks: 50mg)
Keywords: Easy crème brûlée, 3-ingredient dessert, quick caramelized custard