Imagine cracking through a golden, crisp caramelized sugar top to reveal a silky-smooth, decadent custard that melts in your mouth - all without spending hours in the kitchen! This Instant Pot Crème Brûlée is about to revolutionize your dessert game, bringing a touch of French elegance to your home cooking with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious dessert, this recipe is your ticket to culinary magic.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 5 large egg yolks, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar for topping.
- In a medium saucepan, pour the 2 cups of heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat until the cream is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally. This will help to infuse the flavors and prepare the cream for the custard.
- While the cream is heating, in a separate bowl, whisk together the 5 large egg yolks and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Once the cream is heated, remove it from the heat and slowly pour it into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously. This tempering process prevents the eggs from scrambling. Make sure to incorporate all the cream.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until fully combined. The custard should be smooth and well blended.
- Prepare your Instant Pot by placing the trivet inside the pot. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot to create steam for cooking.
- Divide the custard mixture evenly among four ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full. Cover each ramekin tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from getting into the custard during cooking.
- Carefully place the ramekins on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Ensure they are stable and not touching each other.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust the cooking time to 30 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and carefully remove the ramekins using tongs or a heat-resistant glove. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over the top of each chilled custard.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the brown sugar by moving the flame evenly over the surface until it melts and turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden for a minute before serving. Enjoy your creamy, delicious Instant Pot crème brûlée!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your cream is hot but not boiling when tempering the egg yolks to create a smooth custard.
- Whisking Technique: When combining hot cream with egg yolks, whisk continuously and pour slowly to prevent scrambling.
- Foil is Your Friend: Tightly cover ramekins with aluminum foil to keep water out during pressure cooking.
- Torch Technique: When caramelizing the sugar top, move the torch constantly to avoid burning. Hold it about 2-3 inches from the surface.
- Chilling Matters: Allow the custard to chill completely before caramelizing for the best texture and flavor.
- No Kitchen Torch? No Problem: A broiler works as an alternative, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Make Ahead: These can be prepared a day in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.Pro Tip: For the most luxurious texture, use the freshest eggs and highest quality cream you can find!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 250mg
