Tropical Banana Cream Brûlée
Indulge in a delightful tropical twist on the classic crème brûlée with this Tropical Banana Cream Brûlée. Combining the rich, velvety texture of traditional custard with the sweet, luscious flavor of ripe bananas and a hint of coffee liqueur, this dessert offers a sensory experience that transports you to an island paradise. The caramelized brown sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch to each spoonful, creating a perfect contrast to the creaminess underneath. Ideal for special occasions, this dessert is as impressive as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
heavy cream
2 cups (none)
vanilla bean
1 (halved lengthwise)
egg yolks
8 (room temperature)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
bananas
2 large (sliced)
coffee liqueur
1/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and the halved vanilla bean. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes to infuse the vanilla flavor. After steeping, remove the vanilla bean and reserve it for another use.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly lightened in color.
3
Slowly pour the warm vanilla cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the yolks and prevent them from scrambling.
4
Transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 10 minutes). Be careful to avoid boiling the mixture.
5
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and place it into a large bowl filled with ice and cold water. Continue to whisk until the custard cools completely—this will ensure a smooth texture.
6
Gently fold in the sliced bananas and coffee liqueur until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
7
When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Spoon the chilled custard mixture into four 3/4 cup ramekins and evenly sprinkle with packed brown sugar on top.
8
Place the ramekins under the broiler and watch closely as the sugar caramelizes to a golden brown (1-3 minutes). Remove when caramelized, and let it cool slightly before serving for the sugar crust to harden. You can serve immediately or chill again to enhance the contrast of textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Banana Cream Brûlée?
It is a tropical twist on the classic crème brûlée dessert, featuring rich custard, ripe bananas, coffee liqueur, and a caramelized brown sugar crust.
How many egg yolks are required for this recipe?
You will need 8 room temperature egg yolks for this recipe.
What kind of cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of heavy cream.
How do I prepare the vanilla bean?
The vanilla bean should be halved lengthwise before being added to the heavy cream.
How long should I steep the vanilla bean in the cream?
After the cream reaches a gentle boil, remove it from the heat, cover, and let it steep for 15 minutes.
What should I do with the vanilla bean after steeping?
Remove the vanilla bean from the cream and reserve it for another use.
How much granulated sugar is needed for the custard?
You need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to whisk with the egg yolks.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from scrambling?
Slowly pour the warm vanilla cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
How long does it take to cook the custard on the stove?
It takes about 10 minutes over medium-low heat for the custard to thicken.
How can I tell when the custard is thick enough?
The custard is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Why shouldn't I let the custard boil?
You should avoid boiling the mixture to prevent it from curdling or ruining the texture.
What is the purpose of the ice bath?
Placing the saucepan in an ice bath while whisking ensures the custard cools completely and maintains a smooth texture.
When do I add the bananas and liqueur?
Gently fold in the sliced bananas and coffee liqueur once the custard has cooled completely in the ice bath.
How many bananas are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large bananas, sliced.
What type of liqueur is used?
1/4 cup of coffee liqueur is used to add a tropical depth to the flavor.
How long should the mixture refrigerate before serving?
Refrigerate the covered bowl for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What size ramekins should I use?
The recipe is designed for four 3/4 cup ramekins.
What kind of sugar is used for the caramelized topping?
1/4 cup of packed brown sugar is used for the topping.
How do I caramelize the sugar topping?
Place the sugar-topped ramekins under a preheated broiler for 1-3 minutes until golden brown.
Should I watch the ramekins while they are under the broiler?
Yes, watch them closely as the sugar can burn quickly during the 1-3 minute caramelization process.
Do I need to let the sugar crust cool?
Yes, let it cool slightly after broiling to allow the sugar crust to harden.
Can I serve this dessert immediately after broiling?
You can serve it immediately or chill it again to enhance the contrast between the cold custard and the warm crust.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: heavy cream, vanilla bean, egg yolks, granulated sugar, bananas, coffee liqueur, and brown sugar.
Is this a rich dessert?
Yes, it is described as having a rich, velvety texture and luscious flavor.
What is the preparation for the bananas?
The bananas should be sliced before being folded into the custard.
Does the brown sugar need to be packed?
Yes, the measurement for the brown sugar topping is 1/4 cup packed.
Can this be used for special occasions?
Yes, it is noted as an impressive and delicious dessert ideal for special occasions.
What color should the caramelized sugar be?
The sugar should reach a golden brown color under the broiler.
What is the texture of the topping?
The caramelized brown sugar provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy custard.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a combination of sweet bananas, rich vanilla, and a hint of coffee liqueur.