Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2024)

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Chocolate Crème Brûlée is a delicious, chocolatey twist on a classic French dessert. Impress your loved ones by making this beautiful dessert today!

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (1)

What’s in this Chocolate Creme Brulee Recipe?

Just 5 simple and inexpensive ingredients are needed to create the perfect chocolate crème brûlée. This recipe proves that fancier desserts don’t always have to drain your wallet!

  • Egg Yolks: Make the custard rich and thick.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard base and creates the signature burnt sugar top.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the custard ultra-creamy.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate flavor to the custard.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the custard.

Pro Tip: White granulated sugar works best for the tops of crème brûlée. No other sugar achieves the same delicious caramelization as plain white sugar!

Variations on Chocolate Creme Brulee

You can change up the taste of this crème brûlée by changing up the type of chips used. For a richer, darker flavor, use dark chocolate chips. Or for a lighter flavor, use milk chocolate chips. You could even use white chocolate chips or flavored baking chips, like peanut butter, cream cheese, or cinnamon.

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What is the difference between custard and brûlée?

The main difference is in the topping. Crème brûlée has a crunchy broiled top, whereas custard does not!

Why is crème brûlée baked at a low temperature?

If crème brûlée is baked at too high of a temperature, the custard can both curdle and become too hard. 300°F is the perfect low temperature for baking crème brûlée! Baking them at that temperature creates the desired smooth, creamy, jiggly consistency of the chocolate base.

Should crème brûlée be like pudding?

Yes, it should have a creamy, pudding-like texture all the way through.

Why is my crème brûlée thin and runny?

If it’s undercooked, the consistency will be a bit liquidy and not quite set. Double-check that yourdessertsare fully cooked by giving the roasting pan a gentle shake. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard is set in the center and it only slightly jiggles.

Is crème brûlée eaten hot or cold?

This dish is usually served cold with a warm sugar top.

Can I still make crème brûlée if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

A kitchen torch certainly makes things a whole lot easier when making this classic French dessert, but no, you can caramelize the sugar in other ways! You can place the custards under the broiler to caramelize the sugar, but be sure to keep a close eye on them! A tip I learned a long time ago is to heat a metal spoon over the stove, then once it’s nice and hot, you can heat the sugar with it and it will caramelize. Be careful not to burn your hands!

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (4)

How to Store

In the refrigerator, chocolate crème brûlée will stay perfectly fresh for up to 3 days. To make sure the texture stays perfect, I recommend wrapping the ramekins in plastic wrap. If not stored properly, you risk the caramelized sugar losing its crunch!

How to Freeze

Cover crème brûlée tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping with sugar and torching.

Serving Suggestions

I love to place freshly chopped strawberries on top of my servings. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream is also delicious! For even more flavor, try chocolate whipped cream. Truly, the crystalized sugar is so perfect; you don’t want to place too many garnishes on top that cover it.

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (5)

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (6)

4.91 from 11 votes

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe

As much as I love a classic vanilla serving of crème brûlée, I must admit… this chocolate version is even richer and more delectable!

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 55 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

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Ingredients

  • 5 large egg yolks 70 grams
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100 grams, divided
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream 454 grams
  • ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips 43 grams
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams

For Topping

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 25 grams
  • Strawberries optional, for serving
  • Powdered Sugar optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)

  • Ramekins

  • 9×13 Baking Pan

  • Kitchen Torch (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and half of the sugar together, then set the bowl aside.

    5 large egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar

  • In a small saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream and the remaining sugar, whisking together until it begins to lightly bubble, but not boil. Gradually stir in the chocolate chips and keep whisking on low heat until the chocolate has completely melted. You can scrape the whisk on the bottom of the saucepan to make sure there are not unmelted pieces of chocolate. Once the whisk is clear, remove from heat.

    2 cups heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips

  • Allow the chocolate and cream mixture to cool for about 30-60 seconds, then quickly whisk it into the sugar and yolks. (Allowing it to cool for 30 seconds and whisking quickly ensures the eggs won’t cook when they are heated.) Stir in the vanilla until the entire mixture is combined.

    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Evenly distribute the mixture into small ramekins, being careful not to overfill. Place the ramekins into a baking pan, before filling the pan with water to surround the ramekins. The water should be at least a quarter of the way but no more than halfway up the sides of the ramekins before placing in the oven.

  • Bake for about 50-55 minutes, until the crème brûlée has set. Remove from the oven and the baking pan/water. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and allow to cool. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

  • Once the crème brûlée is completely chilled, sprinkle a small spoonful of sugar on the top of each ramekin. Use a food torch to heat the sugar until it crystalizes on top. If you don't have a torch, place the ramekins on a baking sheet and place in the oven on the top rack. Use the broil option for a few minutes, until the sugar crystalizes.

    2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • Serve with strawberries or sprinkles of powdered sugar if desired.

    Strawberries, Powdered Sugar

Notes

  • The size of the ramekin is very important. If your ramekin is too deep, the pudding will most likely not bake evenly. Try to aim for the small ramekins you see in my photos!
  • When adding water to the baking pan, do your best to not get any water in the ramekins. Even the smallest amount of water can disrupt the chocolate base and cause it to not bake correctly.
  • White granulated sugar works best for the tops of crème brûlée. No other sugar achieves the same delicious caramelization as plain white sugar!
  • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.

Storage:Store chocolate crème brûlée tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 664Calories from Fat 477

% Daily Value*

Fat 53g82%

Saturated Fat 32g200%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 15g

Cholesterol 378mg126%

Sodium 44mg2%

Potassium 203mg6%

Carbohydrates 41g14%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 39g43%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 2079IU42%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 115mg12%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin – Easy Dessert Recipes

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Chocolate Crème Brûlée Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret of crème brûlée? ›

This is a key step to making perfect crème brûlée – baking your custards in a water bath. A water bath is a pan of water that the ramekins are placed in to bake. A water bath provides some insulation from direct heat which allows the custards to cook gently, evenly, and prevents cracking.

What's the difference between crème brûlée and custard? ›

The main difference between the two is that creme brulee is topped with a layer of sugar that caramelizes under a broiler or torch, resulting in a crunchy, burnt sugar topping. Egg custard does not have this additional layer of sugar, but some recipes call for a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Why is my crème brûlée not setting in the oven? ›

This is most likely due to underbaking. Creme Brulee is perfectly baked when it is set and firm around the edges but still has a wobble / jiggle in the middle when shaken. Additionally, it is important to chill thoroughly, ideally overnight, before diving in.

How long should crème brûlée be set in the fridge? ›

Bake just until the creme brulee is set, but still trembling in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. Remove the creme brulee from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to browning the sugar on top.

What makes a good crème brûlée? ›

Cream, eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla are all that's needed to make the perfect homemade creme brulee. That simple combination of ingredients creates the most luxurious creamy custard, with a silky texture and rich vanilla flavor just like you'd find in a high-end restaurant.

What is the English name for crème brûlée? ›

Crème brûlée or crème brulée (/ˌkrɛm bruːˈleɪ/; French: [kʁɛm bʁy. le]), also known as burnt cream or Trinity cream, and virtually identical to crema catalana, is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar.

Are flan and crème brûlée the same thing? ›

The difference between crème brûlée and flan (two of our favorite kinds of custard) lies in four factors: the ratio of ingredients, the manner in which the custard is thickened, the method of cooking, and any additional components. Those extra components—different toppings and presentation—are easiest to see.

What does crème brûlée mean in French? ›

Crème brûlée, a dessert that simply radiates indulgence, refinement, and simplicity. At first glance, it would appear to be the quintessential French dessert. After all its name is French for “burnt cream” but the true origins of crème brûlée are not straightforward.

Do you bake crème brûlée in hot or cold water? ›

Water Bath: Bake your Crème Brulee in a dish that holds water half way up the sides of your ramekins. You can use cold or hot water to fill the baking dish, and there is some dispute over which is better. Consider that if you are using cold water, it will take longer to cook.

Can you over bake crème brûlée? ›

Cook it Gently

Even with this gentle method, it's still possible to over bake the custards, resulting in curdled texture.

How much sugar to put on top of crème brûlée? ›

Use 2 Tablespoons Demerara sugar if you have a weak broiler and/or prefer a thin crust of sugar on your creme brulee. Use 3 Tablespoons if you have a powerful broiler and/or prefer a thicker crust on your creme brulee. To make the creme brulee's custard base, I instruct you to bake it in a water bath.

What size ramekin for crème brûlée? ›

If you like a higher sugar crust to custard ratio, you're going to want to use these shallow ramekins. Otherwise, Creme Brulee is commonly served in these 6-ounce ramekins.

Why is my crème brûlée not crispy? ›

It could be your sugar. I find sugar in the raw to be the easiest and most even burning sugar for creme brûlée. You could also combine equal parts brown sugar and white sugar. When burning the sugar make sure to keep moving the torch evenly across the sugar.

What is the Speciality of crème brûlée? ›

Crème brûlée or crème brulée (/ˌkrɛm bruːˈleɪ/; French: [kʁɛm bʁy. le]), also known as burnt cream or Trinity cream, and virtually identical to crema catalana, is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar.

What is the black stuff at the bottom of crème brûlée? ›

The deep dark secret to this crème brûlée is the layer of homemade chocolate sauce at the bottom, waiting to be swirled into the top layer of rich vanilla custard. Chocolate sauce is one of those things that once you make it yourself, you think, that's it?

What are some fun facts about crème brûlée? ›

Creme brulee Fun Facts:
  • The earliest known reference to crème brûlée as it is. known today appears in François Massialot's 1691. ...
  • In the early eighteenth century, the dessert was. ...
  • Creme brulee is usually served in individual. ...
  • The world record for largest creme brulee topped out. ...
  • Our creme brulee is made fresh daily and topped.
May 24, 2018

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