Sparkling Citrus Crème Brûlée
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Sparkling Citrus Crème Brûlée. This elegant dessert combines the richness of a classic crème brûlée with the refreshing zest of orange and the effervescence of champagne, making it perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated treat to impress your guests. With a creamy custard base that's gently baked to perfection and finished with a delightfully crisp caramelized sugar topping, this dessert is sure to be a showstopper at your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg yolks
5 large (none)
whole egg
1 large (none)
heavy whipping cream
1 3/4 cups (none)
sugar
1/2 cup + 6 tablespoons (divided)
orange zest
2 teaspoons (zested from orange)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
champagne
1/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and champagne until well combined and smooth.
3
Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly into six 4-ounce ramekins.
4
Place the ramekins in a 9x13 baking dish and fill the dish with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
6
Once baked, remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature.
7
Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours or up to overnight until they are completely chilled and set.
8
When you're ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over each custard.
9
Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust. Alternatively, heat the back of a metal spoon over a flame for 2-3 minutes, then press it down on the sugar to achieve a similar effect. For broiling, place the ramekins under a preheated broiler for 5-6 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy custard and crunchy caramel.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sparkling Citrus Crème Brûlée?
It is an elegant dessert that combines a classic creamy custard base with the refreshing zest of orange and the effervescence of champagne, topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The main flavors are rich custard, citrus from orange zest and juice, and a subtle note of champagne.
How many egg yolks are required?
You will need 5 large egg yolks for this recipe.
Do I need to use a whole egg in addition to the yolks?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 large whole egg along with the egg yolks.
What type of cream is used for the custard?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of heavy whipping cream.
How much sugar is needed for the custard mixture?
You should whisk 1/2 cup of sugar into the custard base.
How much sugar is used for the caramelized topping?
A total of 6 tablespoons of sugar is used for the topping, specifically 1 tablespoon per ramekin.
How much orange zest should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of orange zest.
Is the orange juice freshly squeezed?
Yes, the instructions recommend using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What role does champagne play in the recipe?
Champagne adds a sophisticated flavor and a slight effervescence to the custard base.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to fill six 4-ounce ramekins.
What size ramekins are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 4-ounce ramekins.
Why is a water bath necessary for baking?
A water bath (bain-marie) ensures even heat distribution and prevents the custard from curdling or cracking.
How much water should I add to the baking dish?
Fill the dish until the boiling water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
How long does the crème brûlée need to bake?
Bake the custards for 35-40 minutes.
How can I tell when the custard is done?
The custards are set when they still have a slight jiggle in the center.
What is the cooling process after baking?
Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
How long should the dish be refrigerated?
Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours or up to overnight until completely chilled.
How do I create the caramelized sugar crust?
Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over each custard and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until golden-brown.
Can I caramelize the sugar without a kitchen torch?
Yes, you can use the back of a heated metal spoon or place the ramekins under a preheated broiler.
How do I use a spoon to caramelize the sugar?
Heat the back of a metal spoon over a flame for 2-3 minutes, then press it down onto the sugar.
How long do the custards stay under the broiler?
Place them under the broiler for 5-6 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Should I serve the dessert immediately after caramelizing?
Yes, it is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast between the cold custard and warm, crunchy caramel.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its luxurious ingredients and sophisticated presentation make it perfect for celebrations.
Can I substitute the champagne?
While champagne is preferred, you can use other sparkling wines like Prosecco or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
What texture should the final custard have?
The final custard should be smooth and creamy beneath a crisp, crunchy sugar shell.
Does the recipe require a specific baking dish?
A 9x13 baking dish is recommended to hold the ramekins for the water bath.
Can the custards be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can bake and refrigerate the custards a day in advance, adding the sugar topping just before serving.
Is the orange zest added before or after baking?
The orange zest is whisked into the raw custard mixture before baking.