Blackberry Crème Brûlée Recipe

Introduction

Blackberry Crème Brûlée is a decadent twist on the classic French dessert, combining creamy custard with the fresh, tart flavor of blackberries. This elegant dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale and smooth. Slowly pour the warm cream into the yolk mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and gently fold in the blackberries.
4. Step 4: Divide the custard mixture evenly into ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and add hot water around them until it reaches halfway up the sides.
5. Step 5: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove ramekins from water and let cool to room temperature.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the custards for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill completely.
7. Step 7: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother custard, strain the mixture through a fine sieve before baking.
• Substitute blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the sugar-topped custards under a broiler for a few minutes to caramelize, watching closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store any leftover crème brûlée in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 days. Keep the sugar topping separate and only caramelize just before serving to preserve the crisp texture. Reheat briefly with a kitchen torch or broiler to refresh the brûlée crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare crème brûlée ahead of time?

Yes, the custard can be baked and refrigerated up to a day in advance. Caramelize the sugar topping right before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have fresh blackberries?

You can use frozen blackberries, but thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the custard. Alternatively, other fresh or frozen berries work well too.

Blackberry Crème Brûlée Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

A classic French dessert featuring a rich, creamy custard infused with vanilla and topped with a caramelized sugar crust, complemented by fresh blackberries for a burst of fruity flavor.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours including chilling
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Custard

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnish

• 1 cup fresh blackberries

Instructions

1. Heat the cream: In a medium saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat to avoid boiling.
2. Whisk yolks and sugar: In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Bake the custards: Pour the custard mixture evenly into 4-6 ramekins. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (162°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
4. Chill the custards: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the custard to fully set.
5. Prepare the topping and garnish: Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled custards. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute, then top each creme brûlée with fresh blackberries.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure even blending.
• Do not boil the cream; overheating can cause the custard to curdle.
• Use a kitchen torch carefully to avoid burning the sugar or ramekin edges.
• Blackberries can be gently warmed or used fresh depending on preference.
• Crème brûlée is best consumed within 1 day of torching for optimal texture.

Keywords: creme brulee, blackberry dessert, vanilla custard, baked custard, French dessert