Decadent Chocolate Crème Brûlée with Caramelized Sugar Crust

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe

Category: Desserts
Serves: 4

Crème brûlée, the beloved French classic, takes a decadent twist with the rich addition of dark chocolate. This indulgent dessert features a velvety custard base, enriched with the deep flavor of chocolate, topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Whether served warm or chilled, this delightful treat is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the custard base:

   • Begin by heating the fresh cream and whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the mixture doesn’t burn.

2. Mix egg yolk and sugar:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk and granulated sugar together until smooth and slightly pale. Use a spatula or whisk to ensure the mixture is well combined.

3. Incorporate the chocolate:

   • Melt the dark chocolate gently, either in a microwave or using a double boiler. Once melted, add the chocolate to the egg-sugar mixture and stir thoroughly to combine until smooth.

4. Combine with milk and cream:

   • Gradually pour the warm cream and milk mixture into the chocolate-egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. This will create a smooth, glossy custard.

5. Pour into ramekins:

   • Pour the chocolate custard mixture evenly into 4 small ramekins or baking dishes, each about 11 cm in diameter. The custard should fill the ramekins up to about 2/3 of their height.

6. Prepare the water bath:

   • Place the ramekins into a deep baking dish and fill the dish with hot (but not boiling) water, making sure the water comes up around two-thirds of the height of the ramekins. This water bath helps the custard cook evenly and gently.

7. Bake the custards:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with convection. Bake the crème brûlée on the top rack for about 40 minutes. The custard should be set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

8. Cool and caramelize:

   • Once done, remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of brown sugar over the top of each custard.

9. Caramelize the sugar:

   • Place the ramekins under the broiler or grill for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure the sugar melts and forms a golden caramelized crust. You can also use a kitchen torch for a more controlled caramelization.

10. Serve:

    • Let the crème brûlée cool to room temperature, or chill it in the fridge for a few hours. Serve it slightly warm or fully chilled, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy chocolate and crispy caramel.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This chocolate crème brûlée recipe offers a unique and decadent twist on the classic French dessert. The creamy, rich custard complemented by the crispy caramelized sugar is perfect for any special meal or as a sweet finale to a dinner party. Enjoy making this indulgent treat at home and wow your guests with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures!