Looking to impress your special someone this Valentine’s Day? This Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée is the ultimate romantic dessert—elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. With its silky custard base and crisp caramelized sugar top, it’s a luxurious treat that sets the mood for a memorable evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with real vanilla bean for rich, aromatic flavor
Elegant presentation perfect for Valentine’s Day dinner at home
Simple ingredients with high impact

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Vanilla Bean (1 bean):
The key ingredient, offering a rich, aromatic vanilla flavor that makes this dessert extra special.
Heavy Cream (2 cups):
Provides a smooth, luxurious base for the custard, making it rich and creamy.
Egg Yolks (4):
Adds richness and helps set the custard as it bakes.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup):
Sweetens the custard and balances the rich cream.
Salt (¼ tsp):
Enhances the flavor of the vanilla and cuts through the sweetness.
Brown Sugar (¼ cup):
Used to top the custard before caramelizing for a deep, molasses flavor.

Garnish:

Fresh Berries (for garnish):
Adds a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich custard and caramelized sugar.

Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality vanilla beans for best flavor and visual appeal.
Don’t skip the water bath—it’s key for gentle, even cooking.
For even caramelization, rotate the ramekins as you torch.
Chill thoroughly before torching for best contrast in texture.

Variations and Customizations

Flavor Twist: Replace vanilla bean with orange zest, lavender, or espresso.
Sugar Swap: Use turbinado sugar for a deeper, crunchier topping.
Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Amaretto for adult flair.

Pairing Suggestions

Drinks: Champagne, dessert, or a silky espresso
Main Course Pairing: Roast duck, filet mignon, or mushroom risotto
Side Dessert: Pair with chocolate truffles or heart-shaped cookies

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days before torching.
After Torching: Best enjoyed immediately after caramelizing for maximum crunch.

Vanilla Bean for Valentine’s Day

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée – Silky vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar crust, topped with fresh berries. A decadent, romantic dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole vanilla bean
2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup brown sugar (for caramelized topping)
Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Ramekins

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Place 4 ramekins in a deep baking dish.

2. Infuse the Cream

Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a saucepan.
Add the pod and cream to the pan.
Heat gently over medium until simmering, then remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth and pale.

4. Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.

5. Strain and Pour

Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
Divide the mixture evenly between the ramekins.

6. Bake in a Water Bath

Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the custard is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

7. Chill

Remove ramekins from the water bath and cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.

8. Caramelize the Top

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chilled custards.
Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp top.

9. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh berries if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of cold custard and warm, crisp caramel

Notes

This dessert is perfect for special occasions but easy enough to make anytime.
Make ahead and torch just before serving to keep that signature crackly top fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American