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Honey & Saffron Crème Brûlée – A Luxurious Dessert Twist
Crème Brûlée is a timeless French dessert loved for its velvety custard and crisp caramelized sugar topping. This Honey & Saffron Crème Brûlée adds a delightful twist by infusing floral honey and exotic saffron into the classic recipe. The result is a rich, aromatic dessert with a beautifully golden hue and a sophisticated depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile – The floral notes of honey and earthy saffron elevate traditional Crème Brûlée.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Impress guests with a luxurious, restaurant-quality dessert.
- Easy to Make at Home – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method ensure success.
Ingredients
For the custard:
For the caramelized sugar topping:
Instructions
Infusing the Cream
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In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream, honey, and saffron.
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Gently warm the mixture until it begins to steam (avoid boiling).
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Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes to allow the saffron to release its color and aroma.
Use quality saffron – A small pinch goes a long way in flavor and color. -
Preparing the Custard
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and slightly pale.
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Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
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Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg solids and saffron threads.
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Baking the Crème Brûlée
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Divide the custard mixture into ramekins and place them in a deep baking dish.
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Fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the ramekins (creating a water bath for even cooking).
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
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Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
Don’t skip the water bath – It ensures even cooking and a silky texture. -
Caramelizing the Sugar Topping
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Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each custard.
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Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
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Let the caramelized topping set for a minute before serving.
Torch carefully – Keep the flame moving to avoid burning the sugar. -
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 18mg6%
- Sodium 40mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Prepare and chill the custard up to 2 days in advance. Torch the sugar just before serving.
You can broil the sugar topping in the oven on high heat for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Yes, but honey adds depth to the flavor. If substituting, use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect.
It's best to whisk the egg yolks and sugar by hand to avoid incorporating too much air. Over-mixing can cause the custard to have an uneven texture.
