This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. My hubby asked me to quote him saying, “this is my new favorite!” This Espresso Creme Brulee was an experiment for me that turned out awesome! It tastes like a perfect tiramisu. To make espresso creme brulee without a torch, garnish the top with shavings of bittersweet chocolate.
Ingredients for Espresso Creme Brulee:
2 cups heavy cream + 1 Tbsp for espresso 3 large eggs 1/2 cup sugar (plus extra for caramelizing) 1 shot of fresh brewed espresso (about 1/4 cup) [if you try strong brewed or instant coffee instead, let me know how it turns out.] Bittersweet Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
What you will need:
-Ovenproof ramekins or custard cups -A handheld torch. Your husband (or wife) may have one in the garage. I bought one at Home Depot. It doesn’t have to be specifically for creme brulee. If you don’t have a torch, you can shave bittersweet chocolate over the top.
How to make Creme Brulee:
Pre-heat the oven to 300˚ F
Brew your espresso and add 1 Tbsp of the heavy cream. Stir and set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir 3 eggs and 1/2 cup sugar until blended.
Heat the rest of the heavy cream in a sauce pan, almost to a simmer.
Slowly stir in the hot cream (if you add the hot cream too fast, you will end up with scrambled eggs).
Stir in the espresso.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup with a pouring lip.
Divide the mixture into 8 (4 oz) cups and place in a large casserole baking dish.
Fill the baking dish with boiling water about halfway up the sides of the cups. Bake at 300˚ F for 35-40 minutes. The centers of the creme brulee’s should barely move when you wiggle the pan.
Cool to room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate creme brulee until ready to serve. Once the brulees are at least to room temperature, you can caramelize the top. To caramelize the top: put 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar on each custard, swirl to spread evenly. Move in a circular pattern until the whole surface is caramelized to a deep amber color. Note: if you are making the creme brulees in advance, make this sugar topping the same day you are serving them.
