Coffee Crème Brûlée Recipe

If you’re looking for a luxurious dessert that brings together rich coffee flavor and a creamy custard texture, this coffee crème brûlée recipe is perfect for you. It’s a crowd-pleaser for coffee lovers and a sweet indulgence that fits right into your collection of coffee dessert recipes. The best part? You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and a little patience to achieve that smooth, decadent custard topped with a delightfully crunchy sugar crust.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup strongly brewed coffee (cooled)
• 6 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Set out four to six ramekins and a deep baking dish that can hold them without touching.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and brewed coffee. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat just before it starts to simmer.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well blended.
4. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk gently but consistently to avoid curdling.
5. Once thoroughly combined, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a jug or bowl to remove any lumps.
6. Divide the custard evenly into the ramekins. Place the ramekins in the baking dish and carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath helps the custard cook evenly.
7. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crème brûlée is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the custard can fully set.
9. Right before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown. Alternatively, place the ramekins under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Tips & variations

• Choose your coffee: Strongly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee adds a bold taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a medium roast.
• Experiment with infusions: Try adding a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg to the cream and coffee mixture for a spiced twist.
• Cool it down: If you’re tight on time, place the ramekins on a cooling rack in the fridge for faster chilling.
• Make it decaf: You can use decaffeinated coffee for a late-night treat without the extra caffeine kick.

Nutrition facts

While exact values depend on portion size and individual ingredients, here’s a general breakdown per serving (based on six servings):

• Calories: ~300
• Total Fat: ~24 g
• Carbohydrates: ~20 g
• Protein: ~4 g

This dessert is an indulgence best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar or fat intake.

Final thoughts

A coffee crème brûlée recipe combines the familiar comforts of coffee with the elegance of a classic French dessert. Each spoonful offers a satisfying contrast between the crackly caramelized sugar and the smooth custard beneath. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this dessert makes a memorable impression at any gathering.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I prepare crème brûlée in advance?
   Yes. You can complete all steps except the sugar-torching up to two days ahead. Right before serving, caramelize the sugar for a fresh, crunchy topping.

2. What if I don’t have a torch?
   You can use your oven’s broiler. Place the ramekins on a sheet pan under the broiler and keep a close eye on them to avoid burning the sugar.

3. Can I substitute the dairy?
   For a lighter version, you might try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Be aware that the custard may not set as firmly and could be slightly less creamy.

4. What is the best way to store leftovers?
   Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. However, the sugar topping will lose its crispness, so it’s best to torch the sugar again if you want that classic crunch.

Coffee Crème Brûlée Recipe

Recipe by Alpine Mountain Coffee

4.8 from 5 votes

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup strongly brewed coffee (cooled)

• 6 large egg yolks

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch salt

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F. Set out four to six ramekins and a deep baking dish that can hold them without touching.
• In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and brewed coffee. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat just before it starts to simmer.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well blended.
• Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk gently but consistently to avoid curdling.
• Once thoroughly combined, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a jug or bowl to remove any lumps.
• Divide the custard evenly into the ramekins. Place the ramekins in the baking dish and carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath helps the custard cook evenly.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crème brûlée is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.
• Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the custard can fully set.
• Right before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown. Alternatively, place the ramekins under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

• Choose your coffee: Strongly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee adds a bold taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a medium roast.
  Experiment with infusions: Try adding a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg to the cream and coffee mixture for a spiced twist.
  Cool it down: If you’re tight on time, place the ramekins on a cooling rack in the fridge for faster chilling.
  Make it decaf: You can use decaffeinated coffee for a late-night treat without the extra caffeine kick.