There’s an undeniable charm in the ritual of cracking into a perfectly set Crème Brûlée. The first time I experienced that satisfying “snap” of the caramelized sugar top, I was utterly enchanted. Now, imagine that brilliance infused with the rich, bold flavor of coffee—welcome to your new favorite dessert: Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée.
This recipe combines the lusciousness of traditional crème brûlée with a kick of espresso and a touch of Kahlua, elevating it to something truly special. Whether you’ve had a long day or just want to impress guests, making this luxurious treat will not only delight your taste buds but also reignite your passion for homemade desserts.
With minimal effort and ingredients you likely have on hand, you can create a slice of café sophistication right in your home kitchen. Ready to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary experience? Let’s dive into the velvety world of this creamy delight!
Why is Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée irresistible?
Indulgence at Home: Creating this crème brûlée feels like treating yourself to a café in Paris without leaving your kitchen.
Layered Flavors: The combination of espresso and Kahlua enriches the classic recipe, delighting coffee lovers.
Impressive Presentation: Whether it’s a dinner party or a cozy date night, serving these elegant ramekins will wow your guests.
Simple Steps: With just a few straightforward techniques, you will master a dessert that seems complicated but is absolutely achievable.
Make Ahead: Preparing it in advance allows you more time to relax and less stress when entertaining.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unique dessert, and rediscover the joy of homemade delights!
Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée Ingredients
For the Custard
• Heavy cream – 2 cups (475ml) adds a luxuriously rich texture that’s essential for a perfect crème brûlée.
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup (50g) is used to sweeten the custard to balance out the bitterness of the coffee.
• Kosher salt – A pinch enhances the flavors, providing a contrast that makes the sweet notes shine.
• Egg yolks – 5 large yolks, at room temperature, create a creamy, smooth custard base that sets beautifully.
• Instant espresso powder – 1 Tbsp delivers that bold coffee flavor, making this dessert irresistible to coffee lovers.
• Kahlua – 1 Tbsp adds depth and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall coffee experience.
For the Topping
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup is sprinkled on top before caramelizing, creating that satisfying crunchy layer.
For the Water Bath
• Hot water – Using hot water in the baking dish ensures a gentle cooking environment, preventing cracks in your creamy coffee crème brûlée.
Get ready to enjoy a dessert that not only looks stunning but also brings unparalleled joy with its rich flavors—your homemade creamy coffee crème brûlée awaits!
How to Make Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and ensure the rack is in the center. Place 4 ramekins in a 9×9 baking pan. Put a kettle on to boil for your water bath.
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Combine 2 cups of heavy cream, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of Kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is warmed.
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Whisk 5 large egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the warmed cream mixture, a little at a time, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth custard.
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Mix together 1 Tbsp of instant espresso powder and 1 Tbsp of Kahlua in a small bowl until fully dissolved. Stir this into your creamy mixture, and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup.
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Divide the creamy mixture evenly among the four ramekins. Carefully add hot water to the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the custards are gently set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
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Cool the custards by transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely for about 4 hours. Once cooled, cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
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Caramelize the topping by sprinkling ¼ cup of sugar evenly over each chilled custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar until it caramelizes and forms a hard, crispy crust. Serve immediately for the best contrast of textures!
Optional: Add fresh berries on top for a pop of color and a fruity twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée
Fridge: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. Prevents any odors from the fridge affecting the flavor.
Freezer: Although not recommended for freezing the entire crème brûlée, you can freeze the custard base before adding sugar. Use an airtight container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you’ve refrigerated the crème brûlée, serve it chilled. If needed, you can refresh the caramelized sugar topping under a broiler for a few seconds to regain that delightful crunch.
Make Ahead: Preparing and chilling the creamy coffee crème brûlée a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious when you serve it!
Make Ahead Options
Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée is a fantastic dessert to prepare ahead of time, saving you stress during special occasions or busy weeknights. You can make the custards up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the recipe through baking and cooling, then cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, and they’ll be just as delicious when it’s time to serve. When you’re ready for that unforgettable finale, take the ramekins out, sprinkle ¼ cup of sugar on top, and caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch. This way, you’ll achieve that perfect crispy crust while delighting your guests with minimal effort!
Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée Variations
Feel free to explore new dimensions of flavor and texture with these delightful twists on your creamy coffee crème brûlée!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a luscious vegan-friendly version bursting with tropical flavor.
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Flavor Infusion: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a few coffee beans during heating for an aromatic depth that’ll make your taste buds sing.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in 1 to 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate into the custard mixture for a rich mocha experience that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Nutty Twist: Incorporate a couple of tablespoons of hazelnut liqueur instead of Kahlua, giving your crème brûlée a nutty, warm flavor profile.
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Decadent Spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg into the custard mixture for a warm spice note that complements the coffee beautifully.
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Frozen Delight: Transform the crème brûlée into a frozen treat by blending the cooled mixture and freezing it in an ice cream maker for a creamy dessert worthy of summer evenings.
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Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the custard for a refreshing citrus twist that balances the richness of the cream and coffee.
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Gourmet Topping: Experiment with toppings like crushed pistachios or caramelized figs for an indulgent finish that adds crunch and elegance to each bite.
Let your creativity shine and craft a variation that feels uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée?
Creating a remarkable meal is all about pairing delightful flavors that elevate each dish to new heights.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing contrast to your dessert.
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Espresso Martini: This coffee-infused cocktail creates a perfect connection with the dessert, giving an additional layer of flavor and indulgence.
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Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these cookies provide a delightful texture contrast that complements the creamy custard beautifully.
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Chocolate Truffles: Rich, dark chocolate truffles introduce a luscious sweetness that pairs perfectly with the coffee notes in the crème brûlée.
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Citrus Salad: A mix of citrus fruits drizzled with honey adds a bright and zesty element, enhancing the overall experience of the meal.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of cocoa can add an extra touch of indulgence, inviting guests to savor each spoonful.
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After-Dinner Mints: Offering a small mint alongside your dessert adds a refreshing conclusion to the meal, making it feel special without overpowering the flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside the crème brûlée enhances the dessert, creating a cool contrast to the warm caramel crust.
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Raspberry Coulis: A drizzle of this sweet and tart sauce can enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile, bringing a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Pair any of these wonderful options with your creamy coffee crème brûlée, and delight in an unforgettable meal experience!
Expert Tips for Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée
Temperature Matters: Ensure your egg yolks are at room temperature for a smoother custard and better emulsion with the warm cream.
Stir Gently: When combining the cream and egg yolks, stir slowly and steadily to avoid introducing air bubbles that can cause cracks in the final product.
Test for Doneness: The custards should still have a slight jiggle in the center; if they’re too firm, they can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them while baking.
Chill Properly: Cool the custards completely before refrigerating for at least a few hours to develop the flavors and texture.
Caramelize with Care: When using a kitchen torch, move it continually over the sugar to ensure an even caramel crust—this makes for that delightful crunch when you dig in!
With these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect creamy coffee crème brûlée that will impress everyone at your table!
Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée Recipe FAQs
What type of coffee should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using a high-quality instant espresso powder. This gives your crème brûlée a robust coffee taste that truly elevates the dessert. If you prefer, you can also substitute with a strong brewed espresso, but remember to let it cool before adding to the mixture.
How should I store leftover crème brûlée?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covering each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents any fridge odors from seeping in. It will stay fresh for about 3 days, but trust me, they’re so delightful, they’ll likely be gone before then!
Can I freeze crème brûlée?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the custard base without the sugar topping! Transfer the cooled custard into an airtight container, where it can be stored for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then caramelize the sugar as usual before serving.
What should I do if my custards don’t set properly?
Very! If your custards come out too runny, it may be because they weren’t cooked long enough. Next time, keep a close eye on the doneness—once they have a slight jiggle in the center, they’re ready. If you find they’ve curdled, ensure you whisk the mixture gently when combining the ingredients.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any flour. For a truly gluten-free experience, just ensure that your ingredients, like the sugar and Kahlua, are certified gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or an unsweetened dairy-free cream alternative for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be deliciously creamy!
Indulge in Creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée for Ultimate Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and ensure the rack is in the center. Place 4 ramekins in a 9×9 baking pan. Put a kettle on to boil for your water bath.
- Combine 2 cups of heavy cream, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of Kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is warmed.
- Whisk 5 large egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the warmed cream mixture, a little at a time, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth custard.
- Mix together 1 Tbsp of instant espresso powder and 1 Tbsp of Kahlua in a small bowl until fully dissolved. Stir this into your creamy mixture, and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup.
- Divide the creamy mixture evenly among the four ramekins. Carefully add hot water to the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the custards are gently set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool the custards by transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely for about 4 hours. Once cooled, cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
- Caramelize the topping by sprinkling ¼ cup of sugar evenly over each chilled custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar until it caramelizes and forms a hard, crispy crust. Serve immediately for the best contrast of textures!