Strawberry Crème Brûlée Dessert

Name: Strawberry Crème Brûlée Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; Pinch of salt; Fresh strawberries, for serving; Extra sugar for caramelizing

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats Recipes

I absolutely love making this Strawberry Crème Brûlée Dessert every summer. The combination of luscious strawberries and the classic custard base creates a delightful treat that surprises everyone. The rich, creamy texture paired with the crispy caramelized sugar on top is an indulgence that always gets rave reviews. This recipe is straightforward and surprisingly easy; once you master the technique, you'll be making it for every occasion. Join me in enjoying this elegant dessert that truly elevates any meal!

Created by

Jackies

Last updated on 2026-02-21T19:38:19.071Z

When I first attempted to make crème brûlée, I was genuinely nervous about achieving that perfect caramelized top. However, after several trials, I discovered that a kitchen torch is key to getting that classic finish without overcooking the custard. Using fresh strawberries adds a lovely fruity note that complements the subtle vanilla flavor beautifully.

One specific tip I learned is to let the custard chill thoroughly before adding the sugar on top. This helps it firm up, making it easier to achieve that satisfying crack when you tap into the sugar layer. Trust me, this dessert is worth the effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich strawberry flavor that bursts in every bite
Creamy texture with a satisfying crunchy topping
Impressive enough for dinner parties yet easy to make

Mastering the Caramelization Process

Caramelizing the sugar on top of your crème brûlée is where the magic happens. Using a kitchen torch is ideal for this step, as it allows for precise control over the evenness of the caramelization. Aim for a consistent golden brown color across the surface; this usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the intensity of your torch. Avoid scorching it, as burnt sugar can impart a bitter flavor, ruining your dessert.

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can achieve a similar result by broiling the custards in the oven. Set your oven to broil and place the ramekins on the top rack, watching closely to prevent overcooking. This method will also yield a crispy top, but it may take a little longer and requires more attention to prevent burning.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Crème brûlée is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Once you've baked and chilled the custards, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before caramelizing. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in. This not only enhances the flavors but also saves time when you need to serve this impressive dessert at a gathering.

When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the custards from the fridge, caramelize the sugar, and top with fresh strawberries. The contrast between the chilled, creamy custard and the warm, crunchy sugar layer is nothing short of heavenly!

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

The heavy cream is essential in this recipe; it provides the luxurious texture that crème brûlée is known for. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you might experiment with half-and-half, but keep in mind that the resulting dessert will be less rich and creamy. For a vegan option, try coconut cream and a dairy-free egg substitute, though the texture will differ slightly.

Vanilla extract plays a crucial role in flavor development. If you want to experiment, feel free to use vanilla bean paste or the seeds from a fresh vanilla bean for an even more intense flavor. This slight tweak can elevate your dessert and impress your guests with beautiful vanilla flecks throughout the custard.

Ingredients

For the Crème Brûlée

2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt
Fresh strawberries, for serving
Extra sugar for caramelizing

Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium until just simmering, then remove from heat.

Whisk Egg Yolks

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Bake the Custards

Pour the mixture into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30-40 minutes, until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

Chill

Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Caramelize the Sugar

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each custard and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it's golden and bubbly.

Serve

Allow the custards to sit for a minute before serving with fresh strawberries on the side.

Enjoy this luxurious dessert with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of strawberry puree on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your crème brûlée with fresh strawberries is a delightful choice. Their natural sweetness and tartness complement the creamy custard perfectly. Consider adding a simple maceration to the strawberries; just sprinkle some sugar over them and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This enhances their juiciness and makes for a stunning presentation when served with the creamy custard.

For an elegant touch, you could also serve the crème brûlée with whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. The slight tang of the crème fraîche can balance the richness of the dessert beautifully. Garnish with mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder for an added visual appeal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common problem when making crème brûlée is overcooking the custard, which can result in a grainy texture. To avoid this, keep a close eye on the baking time. The custards should be set around the edges but still jiggly in the center when taking them out of the oven. Remember that they will continue to cook as they cool, so it's better to underbake them slightly than to overbake.

Another issue may arise during the caramelization process; if the sugar fails to caramelize well, it’s often due to using too much sugar or not spreading it evenly. A thin, even layer of sugar will melt uniformly and create the perfect crunchy top. If the sugar is too thick, it will melt into a gooey layer instead of achieving that desired brittle texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! The custards can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator until you're ready to caramelize the sugar.

→ What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can place the ramekins under the broiler for a few minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

While heavy cream is ideal for a rich texture, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but it won't be as creamy.

→ What are some variations I can try?

Feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries or even flavorings like espresso instead of vanilla.