Chocolate Creme Brulee
Description
Before you dismiss this sophisticated dessert as too complicated for a home cook, stay with us. We’ve demystified the techniques to creating the perfect chocolate creme brulee recipe so you can have an exceptionally elegant ending to any at-home dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar and espresso powder, if desired; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the cream, chocolate and 1/4 cup sugar. Heat over medium-low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolk mixture; return all to the pan, stirring constantly.
- Pour into six 4-oz. ramekins. Place in a baking pan. Add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° until center is set, 50-55 minutes. Remove from water bath. Cool on a wire rack up to 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- If using a creme brulee torch, sprinkle top of ramekins with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Heat sugar with the torch until caramelized. Serve immediately.
- If broiling the custards, place ramekins on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Broil 8 in. from the heat for 4-7 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.
