Crème Brûlée Cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This cake is a combination of a classic vanilla cake and a creamy custard filling, topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar layer. It is a dessert that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla bean cake (sponge cake base)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for the caramelized top
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the vanilla bean cake as per your favorite sponge cake recipe and let it cool.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream with the scraped vanilla bean (pod included) until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes, then remove the vanilla bean pod.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt until well combined.
5. Slowly whisk the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the custard over the cooled cake in a round cake pan. Place the cake pan inside a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
9. Before serving, sprinkle the top of the cake with a thin, even layer of granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, shiny crust.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made your delicious Crème Brûlée Cake, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some serving suggestions to make your cake even more enjoyable.
1. Add fresh fruit
Adding fresh fruit is a great way to add some color and freshness to your cake. You can add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the cake or on the side. The tartness of the fruit will complement the sweetness of the cake and make it even more satisfying.
2. Serve with whipped cream
Whipped cream is a classic topping for cakes and desserts. You can either serve it on the side or pipe it on top of the cake. The lightness of the whipped cream will balance out the richness of the cake and make it even more enjoyable.
3. Pair with coffee or tea
Crème Brûlée Cake goes great with a cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of the coffee or tea will complement the sweetness of the cake and make for a perfect pairing.
4. Top with caramel sauce
If you want to take your Crème Brûlée Cake to the next level, try topping it with caramel sauce. The sweetness of the caramel will complement the vanilla flavor of the cake and add a new dimension of flavor.
Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own ways to enjoy your Crème Brûlée Cake. Enjoy!
Storage and Shelf Life
Once you have made your Crème Brûlée Cake, you may be wondering how to store it properly. Proper storage is essential to keep the cake fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
If you have any leftover cake, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help to keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out.
If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. To do this, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy the cake again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
It is important to note that the texture and flavor of the cake may change slightly after freezing and thawing. However, it should still be delicious and enjoyable to eat.
Overall, proper storage is key to keeping your Crème Brûlée Cake fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Whether you choose to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, make sure to wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a simple Crème Brûlée Cake at home?
Making a simple Crème Brûlée Cake at home is easier than you might think. Start by making a basic vanilla cake and then top it off with a layer of creamy custard, which is then caramelized to create a crispy, golden-brown topping. You can find many easy-to-follow recipes online that will guide you through the process.
What are the essential ingredients for a classic Crème Brûlée Cake?
The essential ingredients for a classic Crème Brûlée Cake include eggs, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a cake base. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients like butter, sour cream, or graham cracker crumbs.
Can you recommend a Crème Brûlée Cake recipe for beginners?
If you’re new to making Crème Brûlée Cake, you might want to try a simple recipe that uses basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. One such recipe can be found on The Stay At Home Chef website, which uses just six ingredients and takes less than an hour to prepare.
What’s the secret to achieving the perfect caramelized top on a Crème Brûlée Cake?
The secret to achieving the perfect caramelized top on a Crème Brûlée Cake is to use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar on top of the custard. Be sure to use a high-quality torch and move it in a circular motion over the sugar until it turns a golden-brown color.
How does Crème Brûlée Cake differ from traditional Crème Brûlée?
While both desserts feature a creamy, custard-like filling and a caramelized sugar topping, Crème Brûlée Cake also includes a cake base. The addition of the cake layer adds a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying texture to the dessert.
Where can I find a reliable recipe for the best Crème Brûlée Cake?
There are many reliable recipes for Crème Brûlée Cake available online, including those from popular food blogs and recipe websites. Be sure to read reviews and check ratings to find a recipe that has been tried and tested by others.