Vanilla Bean Crème Custards 🍨
Description: Dive into the luscious world of Vanilla Bean Crème Custards, a dessert that exudes elegance and simplicity. Indulge in the creamy texture and exquisite flavor of this timeless classic, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat or a special gathering with loved ones.
- Recipe Category: Dessert 🍰
- Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 577.2
- Fat: 49.7g
- Saturated Fat: 29.4g
- Cholesterol: 425.2mg
- Sodium: 55.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.1g
- Sugar: 25.3g
- Protein: 5.8g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Egg yolks | 5 |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Prepare the Custard Base:
- In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
- Add both the seeds and the scraped vanilla bean into the saucepan with the cream mixture.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
-
Infuse Flavors:
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse.
-
Strain the Mixture:
- Once infused, strain the mixture into a measuring cup to remove the vanilla bean.
-
Prepare Egg Yolks:
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly frothy.
-
Temper the Eggs:
- Gradually pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This process, known as tempering, helps prevent the eggs from scrambling when they are added to the hot mixture.
-
Incorporate the Custard:
- Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the measuring cup with the remaining cream mixture, stirring gently to combine.
-
Fill Ramekins:
- Carefully pour the custard mixture into individual ramekins, distributing it evenly among them.
-
Bake the Custards:
- Place the filled ramekins in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Fill the pan with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins, creating a water bath.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center when gently shaken.
-
Cool and Chill:
- Once baked, remove the custards from the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.
- After cooling, cover the custards with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and set.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- When ready to serve, garnish the chilled custards with a sprinkle of fresh vanilla bean seeds or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serve and enjoy the creamy indulgence!
Indulge in the velvety richness of these Vanilla Bean Crème Custards, where every spoonful is a heavenly delight. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a festive gathering with friends, this dessert is sure to impress with its exquisite flavor and elegant presentation.
