Coffee Crème Brûlée

I’m not sure I’ve ever been more proud of a dessert than I am of these insanely creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée. This indulgent treat combines the rich flavor of coffee with a silky custard, making it perfect for any occasion. The standout feature? A crunchy caramelized sugar topping that adds texture and excitement. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this gluten-free dessert is sure to impress. Plus, you can prepare it up to two days in advance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of coffee and Kahlua creates a rich, irresistible taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can make this impressive dessert without hassle.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare your Coffee Crème Brûlée up to two days in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable: Adjust the coffee strength to suit your taste or try different flavor additions.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Enjoy this creamy dessert without worrying about gluten.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Coffee Crème Brûlée, you’ll need a few essential tools that simplify the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ramekins
• Baking pan
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Kitchen torch
• Fine mesh sieve

Importance of Each Tool

• Ramekins: These small dishes help achieve even cooking and are perfect for serving individual portions.
• Kitchen Torch: This tool allows you to caramelize the sugar topping quickly and gives that signature brûlée finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (473ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, (plus ¼ cup more for the topping)
• Pinch of Kosher salt
• 5 large egg yolks, (room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp instant espresso powder
• 1 Tbsp Kahlua
• Hot water

How to Make Coffee Crème Brûlée

Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins

Preheat an oven to 300°F with a rack in the center position. Place 4 ramekins in a 9×9 baking pan. Bring a large kettle of water to a boil.

Step 2: Warm the Cream Mixture

Combine 2 cups (473ml) heavy cream, ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, and a pinch of Kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg Yolks

Place 5 room temperature egg yolks in a large mixing bowl and whisk them together. Slowly add the warmed cream mixture little by little, whisking constantly until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Espresso Powder

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 Tbsp Kahlua until dissolved. Stir this into the cream mixture and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout.

Step 5: Bake the Custards

Divide the mixture evenly between the four ramekins. Pour enough hot water into the baking dish so it reaches halfway up the sides. Carefully place it in the oven and bake for 25–35 minutes or until just set. To check doneness, give it a gentle shake; only the centers should jiggle slightly.

Step 6: Refrigerate Until Needed

Transfer custards to a wire rack to cool completely, about 4 hours. Cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least several hours or up to two days ahead.

Step 7: Brûlée the Top

When ready to serve, evenly sprinkle about 1 Tbsp of sugar on top of each custard. Use your kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown and hard crust forms. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Coffee Crème Brûlée

Serving Coffee Crème Brûlée is an art that can enhance the overall dessert experience. This creamy, coffee-flavored delight pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that complement its rich taste and texture.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries add freshness and a pop of color.
• Raspberries: Tart and vibrant, raspberries provide a lovely contrast to the sweet custard.
• Blueberries: These plump berries are mild in flavor but add a nice touch of sweetness.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavors.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or coffee-flavored whipped cream for a fun twist.

With Chocolate Shavings

• Dark Chocolate Shavings: Rich and slightly bitter dark chocolate enhances the coffee notes in the dessert.
• Milk Chocolate Shavings: For those who prefer sweeter options, milk chocolate provides a delightful contrast.

With a Dessert Wine

• Port Wine: A rich port wine complements the deep flavors of coffee crème brûlée.
• Moscato: The sweetness of Moscato can balance out the bitterness of coffee beautifully.

How to Perfect Coffee Crème Brûlée

Perfecting your Coffee Crème Brûlée requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for a flawless dessert every time.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh heavy cream and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your custards as they bake to avoid overcooking; they should be set but still jiggly in the center.
• Let it chill: Allowing your custards to cool completely before refrigerating helps them set properly and develop flavor.
• Caramelize just before serving: For that perfect crunchy topping, brûlée the sugar right before you serve your dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Crème Brûlée

Pairing your Coffee Crème Brûlée with the right side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Chocolate Mousse: A light and airy chocolate mousse complements the richness of crème brûlée nicely.
2. Fruit Tart: A refreshing fruit tart adds brightness and acidity, balancing the dessert’s creamy texture.
3. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that contrast beautifully with sweet desserts.
4. Pavlova: This meringue-based dessert is light and fluffy, perfect alongside a rich custard like Coffee Crème Brûlée.
5. Tiramisu: Another coffee-infused dessert, tiramisu brings additional layers of flavor while staying thematic.
6. Shortbread Cookies: Crunchy shortbread cookies provide a simple yet delightful crunch that pairs well with creamy desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Coffee Crème Brûlée can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will lead to a perfect dessert every time.

• Boldly skip the temperature check: Always ensure your egg yolks are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the cream mixture, creating a silky custard.
• Boldly ignore the water bath: A water bath is essential for even cooking. It prevents the custards from curdling and ensures they set perfectly.
• Boldly rush the cooling process: Allow your custards to cool completely before refrigerating. This step helps develop their flavor and texture.
• Boldly neglect the straining step: Straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve removes any lumps and ensures a smooth custard. Don’t skip this for the best results!
• Boldly burn the sugar topping: When caramelizing the sugar, keep an eye on it. You want a golden brown crust, not burnt sugar.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap before placing in the fridge.

Freezing Coffee Crème Brûlée

• Freeze without the sugar topping for up to 1 month.
• Wrap each ramekin in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Coffee Crème Brûlée

• Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Coffee Crème Brûlée dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious!

Can I use flavored coffee instead of regular coffee?

Absolutely! Using flavored coffee can enhance your Coffee Crème Brûlée with unique notes. Just make sure it’s brewed strong enough for flavor.

What is the best way to achieve a crispy sugar crust?

Using a kitchen torch is ideal for caramelizing sugar evenly. If you don’t have one, broil it in the oven but monitor closely to prevent burning.

How long can I store Coffee Crème Brûlée?

Coffee Crème Brûlée can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen without toppings for about 1 month.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Crème Brûlée recipe is not only rich and creamy but also incredibly easy to customize. You can add different flavorings or liqueurs to make it your own. Perfect as a finishing touch for any meal, give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!