The Best Cook – Creme Brulee Recipe without Heavy Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, for caramelization

Instructions:

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar, and the scraped vanilla bean including its seeds. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until well blended.
4. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or vanilla bean remnants.
6. Divide the custard mixture evenly among 4-6 ramekins or oven-safe dishes.
7. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
9. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and set completely.
10. Before serving, evenly sprinkle each custard with a thin, even layer of light brown sugar.
11. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crispy crust on top.
12. Allow the brulees to sit for a few minutes to harden the caramelized sugar, then serve and enjoy!

Servings:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Value:

Calories: 220

Total Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 215mg

Sodium: 60mg

Total Carbohydrates: 34g

Sugars: 31g

Protein: 6g

FAQ:

Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?

Using skim milk will result in a lighter texture and less rich flavor in the creme brulee. It is recommended to use whole milk for the best results.

Can I substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean?

Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for the vanilla bean. However, the use of a vanilla bean will provide a more intense and authentic vanilla flavor.

Can I make creme brulee without a kitchen torch?

Yes, if you do not have a kitchen torch, you can use your broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the custard dishes under the broiler for a few minutes until the sugar melts and caramelizes.