Enjoy the decadent delight of chocolate creme brulee. It's a rich and creamy treat that adds a crisp sugary top to a smooth custard base.
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This silky smooth custard is infused with dark chocolate, giving it an intense richness like a chocolate mug cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The sweet and crunchy caramelized sugar topping adds the perfect texture contrast to the creamy custard, making this treat truly irresistible.
Serve this indulgent French dessert with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. Whether you are looking for something delicious to impress your guests or want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying, chocolate cream brulee is worth trying!
Ingredients
To make this decadent chocolate custard dessert, you only need five ingredients. These simple kitchen staples combine to create an indulgent and luxurious treat that will impress any dinner guest.
Here are the ingredients needed to make this chocolate creme brulee recipe:
- egg yolks
- granulated sugar
- heavy whipping cream
- baking chocolate
- vanilla extract
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
The first thing you'll need to do is preheat the oven to 325°F. Then gather all the ingredients and grease the bottom and sides of the ramekins you will use.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and a tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
In a small or medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, chocolate, and a tablespoon sugar until smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Mix a small amount of the hot chocolate filling into the egg yolk mixture.
Slowly pour the entire egg yolk mixture into the pan, stirring constantly.
Place ramekins in a baking or roasting pan. Fill each at least halfway up the sides.
Add 1 inch of boiling water into the pan. Bake uncovered until the center is almost set.
Remove the ramekins and cool slightly. Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the custards.
Heat the sugar with a kitchen torch or under the broiler until it is browned to caramelize the sugar.
Variations
Unlock the deliciousness of a classic chocolate creme brûlée with these easy and creative ways to vary the recipe!
- Try adding some flavored liqueur to your sugar mixture before sprinkling it on top. For example, orange liqueur can add a subtle citrus note, while coffee liqueur can give a rich smoky taste. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much liquid can make the sugar clump up or take longer to caramelize.
- Try adding different flavors. or instance, you can mix in some orange zest or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the custard mixture for a unique twist. You can also top it with caramelized nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra layer of flavor.
- You can also give your creme brulee an interesting texture by adding crunchy ingredients like crushed cookies or chopped nuts after baking it.
- Switch up the type of chocolate used. Instead of using regular baking chocolate, try using semi-sweet chocolate, white, or milk chocolate chips instead.
If you aren't into chocolate, try making a flan de coco instead. It's a delicious coconut custard.
Tips
- Pay attention to your cooking temperature and time. Overcooking your custard at too high of heat can cause it to turn grainy and dry.
- Once you've caramelized the sugar topping, let it sit for a few minutes until it cools slightly. Then put the custard into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving so that it has time to set properly.
Serving suggestions
Chocolate cream brulee is a decadent dessert that deserves a beautiful arrangement on the plate. It's the perfect chocolate treat for a Valentine's day dessert with someone special or pair it with a flourless chocolate cake passover dessert for a holiday feast. But it doesn't have to be served only for a special occasion.
Add some texture to the dish by incorporating fresh berries, sliced almonds, or edible flowers. These additions enhance the visual appeal and add different flavors and textures to complement the rich chocolate flavor of the brulee.
Consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the top of the brulee for an added touch of elegance. If you want to take things up another notch, sprinkle some gold leaf or chopped chocolate on top for an extra pop of color and shimmer.
Storage
Custards should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to store it for up to two days after baking, as the custard can become watery and lose its creamy texture if left out too long.
When you are ready to serve the creme brûlée, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This will help restore some of the creaminess of the custard.
If you are not going to eat all of the creme brulee at once, cover any leftover portions with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
FAQ
Yes, you can use light cream for creme brulee. However, it is important to note that light cream will not give you the same creamy texture and flavor as a full-fat cream. The higher fat content in full-fat cream helps to create a thicker custard and give the creme brulee its signature texture and flavor.
If you add it the hot cream mixture very slowly while whisking, it should prevent the eggs from cooking. The key is to warm up the eggs before adding to the entire cream mixture.
The primary ingredients for creme brulee are egg yolks, cream, and sugar. For chocolate, you will need to add melted chocolate or cocoa.
Related Recipes
Here are a few more decadent yet simple-to-make desserts.
- Mini pavlova nests are light, fluffy, and crisp meringue treats.
- Lemon ricotta cookies are a tasty way to satisfy a sweet craving.
- Oreo mousse cake is made with just two simple ingredients.
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Recipe
Chocolate Crème Brûlée
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons granular sweetener sugar or sugar alternative
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces baking chocolate finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the cream, chocolate, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Heat over medium-low heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Mix a small amount of the hot chocolate filling into the egg yolk mixture. Slowly pour the entire egg yolk mixture into the pan, stirring constantly.
- Divide the mixture among four (6-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking pan. Add 1 inch of boiling water to the pan.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and place on a rack to cool for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the custards. Heat the sweetener with a torch or under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the sweetener is browned. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours until firm.
Notes
- Pay attention to your cooking temperature and time. Overcooking your custard at too high of heat can cause it to turn grainy and dry.
- Once you've caramelized the sugar topping, let it sit for a few minutes until it cools slightly. Then put the custard into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving so that it has time to set properly.
Elizabeth S
This was so chocolatey and delicious! The flavor kind of reminded me of brownie batter. Will be making again.
Greta
This was so easy to make and so little fancy dessert. Loved the rich flavor and the crisp sugary coat on the top. This was a huge hit for my family. Thanks x
Addison
I absolutely loved this dessert! I am a huge chocolate lover and especially enjoyed the creamy texture!
Vladka
I drizzled a caramel sauce over the top and it was a quick and tasty dessert for our unexpected visitors.
Traci
You found a winning recipe for our family! They don’t like regular crème brûlée but they devoured this chocolate version! It came out so good and was so simple and easy to make!