Creme Brulee Ice Cream Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Imagine the creamy, rich texture of classic crème brûlée transformed into a luscious ice cream that you can enjoy all year round. This Crème Brûlée Ice Cream Recipe captures the essence of the beloved French dessert with its velvety custard base, infused with real vanilla bean and finished with a delicate caramelized sugar flavor.

Whether you’re an ice cream enthusiast or a fan of traditional custards, this recipe offers a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Plus, it’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a decadent dessert after dinner.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to create this delightful dessert, from preparing the rich custard base to churning it into silky ice cream. You’ll also find handy tips, ingredient insights, and serving ideas to elevate your experience.

So grab your apron and let’s embark on this sweet culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it perfectly balances the creamy custard flavor with the subtle bitterness of caramelized sugar — just like a crème brûlée should. Unlike many ice creams that rely on artificial flavors, we use fresh vanilla beans and real egg yolks to achieve that authentic taste and texture.

The ice cream is incredibly smooth, with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions or casual weekend treats.

Whether you’re serving it on its own or pairing it with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce, this ice cream never fails to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 5 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (for caramelizing)
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Heatproof spatula
• Fine mesh sieve
• Ice cream maker
• Kitchen torch (for caramelizing sugar on top)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and the scraped seeds along with the split vanilla bean pod. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15-20 minutes to infuse the vanilla flavor.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually add the rest of the cream, mixing well.
4. Cook the custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a heatproof spatula. Cook until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spatula (around 170-175°F or 77-80°C). Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Strain and chill: Remove the custard from heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla bean pod and any cooked egg bits. Add a pinch of salt and stir. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
7. Caramelize the sugar: Spread the light brown sugar evenly over the surface of the churned ice cream in your container. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ice cream under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
8. Freeze and serve: Freeze the ice cream for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up. Serve scoops with extra caramelized sugar on top for that classic brûlée crunch.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, try infusing the cream with a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during the vanilla steeping step, then remove before mixing with the eggs.”

• Use a vanilla bean for the richest flavor: While vanilla extract works well, fresh vanilla bean adds a gorgeous aroma and tiny specks that make this ice cream look as good as it tastes.
• Don’t rush chilling: The custard base needs to be fully chilled before churning to ensure the best texture.
• For a vegan twist: Try substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and using a cornstarch slurry to thicken the custard base. For a vegan vanilla ice cream base inspiration, check out Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats.
• Make it boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard before chilling for an adult-only version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Crème Brûlée Ice Cream shines when served simply, allowing its creamy texture and caramelized top to take center stage. Try topping it with fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries for a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness perfectly.

For a more elaborate dessert, serve scoops alongside a warm chocolate lava cake or a slice of buttery pound cake. A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts also adds great contrast in flavor and texture.

Don’t forget to pair it with a cup of strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine to round out your experience.

Conclusion

Making crème brûlée ice cream at home is a rewarding culinary project that delivers a gourmet dessert with every scoop. Its rich, custard base and signature caramelized sugar topping capture the spirit of classic crème brûlée while adding the refreshing chill of ice cream.

Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll find this recipe approachable even if you’re new to homemade ice cream. Plus, the tips and variations let you customize it to your liking.

For more delicious and creative recipes, don’t miss other favorites like Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.

Now, it’s time to create your own batch of this creamy delight. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet bite!

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