Spiced Cardamom Crème Brûlée
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Spiced Cardamom Crème Brûlée, a sophisticated dessert that beautifully marries the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom with the rich creaminess of traditional crème brûlée. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delightful evening. The delicate custards are baked to perfection and topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar that crackles delightfully with each spoonful. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, this dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers an exotic twist that will keep your tastebuds intrigued.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg Yolks
8 large (Separate the yolks from the whites, discarding the whites or saving them for another use.)
White Sugar (for custard)
3/4 cup (Used to sweeten the custard mixture.)
Ground Cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons (Add directly to the egg yolks and sugar mixture.)
Whipping Cream
3 cups (Heat until just boiling before mixing with egg yolk mixture.)
White Sugar (for topping)
6 teaspoons (Sprinkle evenly over each ramekin before broiling.)
Instructions
1
Note: Prepare the custards the day before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Arrange six 3/4-cup custard cups or ramekins in a large roasting pan.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of white sugar and the egg yolks until well combined and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the ground cardamom to infuse the mixture with flavor.
5
In a medium saucepan, slowly bring the whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium heat. Remove from heat.
6
Carefully whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, a little at a time, to temper the yolks and prevent curdling. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
7
Evenly pour the custard mixture into the prepared ramekins.
8
Boil water in a kettle and carefully pour it into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
9
Slide the roasting pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the custards are set with a slight jiggle in the center.
10
Once baked, remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature before refrigerating overnight.
11
A few hours before serving, preheat your broiler.
12
Place each ramekin on a baking sheet and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of white sugar evenly over the top of each custard.
13
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sugar has melted and is golden brown; keep a close watch to prevent burning. Rotate the ramekins halfway through if your broiler heats unevenly.
14
Allow the brûlées to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, and up to six hours, before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Cardamom Crème Brûlée?
It is a sophisticated dessert that marries aromatic cardamom with a rich, creamy custard topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar.
How many egg yolks are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 large egg yolks.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, it is a make-ahead dessert; the custards should be prepared the day before and refrigerated overnight.
What is the oven temperature for baking the custard?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much ground cardamom is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cardamom.
What size ramekins should I use?
You should use six 3/4-cup custard cups or ramekins.
How do I prepare the egg yolk and sugar mixture?
Whisk 3/4 cup of white sugar and the egg yolks until well combined and slightly thickened, then gradually whisk in the cardamom.
How do I prepare the whipping cream?
Slowly bring 3 cups of whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
What is the technique for combining hot cream with egg yolks?
Carefully whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture a little at a time to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
How do I set up the water bath for baking?
Arrange the ramekins in a roasting pan and pour boiling water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
How long should the custards bake?
Bake for approximately 40 minutes.
How do I know when the crème brûlée is finished baking?
The custards are set when they have a slight jiggle in the center.
What should I do with the custards after they finish baking?
Remove them from the water bath, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate them overnight.
How is the caramelized topping created?
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of white sugar over each custard and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
How long should the dessert chill after broiling the sugar?
Chill the brûlées in the refrigerator for at least one hour and up to six hours before serving.
Should I watch the custards while they are under the broiler?
Yes, keep a close watch to prevent the sugar from burning.
Do I need to rotate the ramekins during the broiling process?
Rotate the ramekins halfway through if your broiler heats unevenly.
What type of sugar is used for the custard base?
3/4 cup of white sugar is used for the custard mixture.
What type of sugar is used for the topping?
White sugar is used for the topping, specifically 6 teaspoons total or 1 teaspoon per ramekin.
What should I do with the leftover egg whites?
The egg whites can be discarded or saved for use in another recipe.
Can I serve this dessert immediately after broiling the sugar?
No, it is recommended to chill them for at least one hour after broiling for the best texture.
How much whipping cream is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of whipping cream.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet dessert ideal for special occasions or cozy dinners.
What is the texture of the caramelized sugar?
It forms a crisp layer that crackles delightfully with each spoonful.
What flavor does the cardamom provide?
It provides warm, aromatic, and exotic notes to the rich creaminess of the custard.
Is a kitchen torch necessary for this recipe?
No, this recipe uses a broiler to melt and caramelize the sugar topping.
How do you prevent the egg yolks from curdling?
By tempering them, which involves adding the hot cream very gradually while whisking.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include dessert, cardamom, make-ahead, and gourmet dessert.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: egg yolks, white sugar (for custard), ground cardamom, whipping cream, and white sugar (for topping).
What is the preparation for the ground cardamom?
It should be added directly to the whisked egg yolks and sugar mixture.