The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and this Espresso Crème Brûlée holds a very special place in my heart 🤍. I still remember standing beside my grandmother in her tiny kitchen, watching her gently stir custard over low heat while telling me stories about life, love, and patience. Desserts, she used to say, teach us to slow down and she was right.
Years later, when I started blending classic recipes with my own creativity, Espresso Crème Brûlée became my little twist on tradition. The bitterness of espresso mixed with silky vanilla cream feels like a warm hug after a long day. I first made this dessert during a cozy women’s gathering, when laughter filled the room and coffee cups never stayed empty for long.
This Espresso Crème Brûlée is elegant but not intimidating, indulgent but still comforting. It’s perfect for beginners who want something impressive, and experienced cooks who love deep, rich flavors. Every crack of that caramelized sugar reminds me why cooking brings people together especially women sharing stories around a table.
Today, I’m so excited to share my Espresso Crème Brûlée recipe with you, step by step, just like my grandmother taught me simple, loving, and unforgettable ☕✨.
🛒 Ingredients
To make the perfect Espresso Crème Brûlée, you’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients:
- Heavy cream
- Fresh egg yolks
- Granulated sugar
- Strong espresso (freshly brewed)
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean
- A pinch of salt
Simple ingredients, big flavor that’s always been my kitchen rule.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream with vanilla and espresso over medium-low heat. Don’t let it boil patience is key here.
Step 2: Whisk the Yolks
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thick. This creates that signature silky texture.
Step 3: Temper Slowly
Slowly pour the warm espresso cream into the yolks while whisking constantly. This step prevents scrambling take your time.
Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath
Pour the custard into ramekins. Place them in a baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides. Bake until just set with a gentle wobble.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This is when the magic happens ✨.
Step 6: Caramelize
Sprinkle sugar evenly on top and torch until golden and crackly. That sound? Pure happiness.
⏱️ Time
| ⏱️ Stage | ⌛ Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Chill Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | ~4 hours 50 minutes |
🛒 Ingredients Table
| 🛒 Ingredient | 🧾 Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Egg yolks | 5 |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup + topping |
| Espresso | ¼ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | Pinch |
👩🍳 Instructions Table
| 👩🍳 Step | 📋 Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat cream with espresso & vanilla |
| 2 | Whisk yolks and sugar |
| 3 | Temper cream into yolks |
| 4 | Bake in water bath |
| 5 | Chill completely |
| 6 | Torch sugar topping |
📝 Notes
| 📝 Tip | 💡 Details |
|---|---|
| Espresso strength | Use strong espresso for bold flavor |
| No torch? | Broil briefly, watching closely |
| Make ahead | Custard keeps 2 days chilled |
🍽️ Nutrition
| 🍽️ Nutrient | 📊 Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Fat | 26g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Sugar | 16g |
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Espresso Crème Brûlée slightly chilled with:
- Fresh berries 🍓
- A biscotti on the side
- After-dinner espresso or cappuccino
This dessert shines at dinner parties, holidays, or quiet nights when you want something special.
📌 Recipe Card
Espresso Crème Brûlée
A rich, creamy espresso-infused custard topped with crisp caramelized sugar.
- ⏱️ Time: 4h 50m
- 🛒 Ingredients: Simple pantry staples
- 👩🍳 Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- 🍽️ Serves: 4–6
Conclusion
Every spoonful of this Espresso Crème Brûlée feels like a pause button on life. It’s smooth, comforting, and just a little bit bold like the women who gather around my table. From my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this dessert brings warmth, connection, and joy.
Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about love, stories, and making memories even if your kitchen gets a little messy ☕🤍.
