Have you ever craved a dessert that packs both creamy sweetness and a little caffeinated kick? This espresso martini creme brulee recipe might just become your new go-to. It brings together the classic smoothness of creme brulee, plus the bold, cocktail-inspired flavor of espresso martini. Sound tempting yet? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso (about 1 ounce)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional for boozy flair)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until it’s just about to simmer. Then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until the mixture turns pale yellow.
- Slowly pour the warmed cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly (this helps prevent the eggs from cooking).
- Stir in your freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur, if using.
- Pour the mixture into four ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish, then fill the dish with warm water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to your oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still wobbly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool. Once they’re at room temperature, cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is great).
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch (or your oven’s broiler) to caramelize the sugar until it browns and crisps up.
Tips & variations
- Non-alcoholic version: Omit the coffee liqueur and add an extra half-shot of espresso for more coffee flavor.
- Flavor twist: Try a dash of cinnamon or a hint of cocoa powder in the custard for a chocolatey spin.
- Torch or broiler: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, set your broiler to high. Keep a close eye on the sugar as it caramelizes.
Nutrition facts
This custard is on the indulgent side, thanks to the cream and sugar. One ramekin can hover around 300–350 calories, plus some protein from the egg yolks and a bit of fat from the cream. Exact numbers vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
Final thoughts
This espresso martini creme brulee recipe can be your secret weapon whenever you want to impress. The dessert’s silky custard meets the delightful zing of espresso, satisfying both your sweet tooth and your coffee cravings. Give it a try, and don’t forget to crack that caramelized sugar topping just before you dig in—it’s half the fun.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and bake the custard a day in advance. Just caramelize the sugar right before serving. -
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, simply skip the liqueur. You’ll still enjoy a bold coffee taste from the espresso alone. -
How should I store leftovers?
Cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. -
What if my sugar topping doesn’t form a good crust?
Make sure you apply an even layer of sugar. If you’re using a broiler, preheat it well and watch carefully to avoid under-caramelizing (or burning) the sugar.
Espresso martini creme brulee Recipe
8
servings30
minutes35
minutes350
kcalIngredients
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
4 large egg yolks
1 shot freshly brewed espresso (about 1 ounce)
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional for boozy flair)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until it’s just about to simmer. Then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until the mixture turns pale yellow.
- Slowly pour the warmed cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly (this helps prevent the eggs from cooking).
- Stir in your freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur, if using.
- Pour the mixture into four ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish, then fill the dish with warm water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to your oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still wobbly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool. Once they’re at room temperature, cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is great).
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch (or your oven’s broiler) to caramelize the sugar until it browns and crisps up.
Notes
- Non-alcoholic version: Omit the coffee liqueur and add an extra half-shot of espresso for more coffee flavor.
Flavor twist: Try a dash of cinnamon or a hint of cocoa powder in the custard for a chocolatey spin.
Torch or broiler: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, set your broiler to high. Keep a close eye on the sugar as it caramelizes.





10 thoughts on “Espresso martini creme brulee Recipe”
This dessert is a total game-changer! Combining the elegance of crème brûlée with the bold punch of espresso martini is genius. The texture turned out perfectly creamy with a crisp top, just like in a fine dining restaurant. I can’t wait to make this again for the holidays!
Such a creative and delicious twist on a classic! I appreciated the option to go boozy or non-alcoholic, depending on the occasion. The espresso flavor really shines and pairs so well with the vanilla base. It felt indulgent but not overly complicated to prepare.
This recipe hits all the right notes! It’s rich, aromatic, and so satisfying to crack through that caramelized sugar top. The instructions were super easy to follow, even for someone who doesn’t bake often. I served it at a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe!
I love how luxurious yet approachable this dessert is. The espresso adds depth without being too strong, and the custard bakes beautifully when following the water bath technique. It’s an ideal make-ahead treat that looks impressive and tastes even better. A new favorite for sure!
Bravo on such a well-crafted recipe! I’ve made crème brûlée before, but this espresso martini version takes it to the next level. The flavors are well-balanced, and the final result is smooth, rich, and slightly addictive. A must-try for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
This recipe is a showstopper! The balance of silky custard and bold espresso flavor is absolutely divine. I love how the subtle coffee liqueur adds a sophisticated twist without overpowering the classic crème brûlée base. It’s an elegant dessert that truly impresses guests!
What a brilliant fusion of cocktail and dessert! The espresso martini flair gives this crème brûlée a modern, adult-friendly edge while still being indulgently creamy. The directions are super clear and easy to follow—even for a novice baker like me. I’ll definitely be making this again for dinner parties.
I’m obsessed with the flavor combo here! The hint of coffee mixed with the caramelized sugar topping is just perfect. I tried the non-alcoholic version, and it still packed a rich, robust taste. It’s now my go-to recipe for cozy, gourmet nights in.
Everything about this recipe screams comfort with a twist. The preparation was surprisingly simple, and the end result tasted like something from a high-end restaurant. The crunchy sugar crust over the smooth espresso-infused custard was so satisfying to crack and eat. This is definitely a keeper in my dessert rotation!
Absolutely loved this recipe from start to finish. The step-by-step instructions made the whole process stress-free, and the flavor payoff was incredible. Adding that shot of espresso really wakes up the dish with depth and aroma. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want something a little fancy but totally doable at home.