Super Easy Crème Brûlée
Easy Dessert Recipe: Crème Brûlée Made with Store-Bought Pudding
Discover how to make a sophisticated dessert, Crème Brûlée, effortlessly at home using store-bought pudding. No need to make custard from scratch! This super easy recipe involves simply sprinkling sugar over sweet pudding and caramelizing it with a kitchen torch. Crème Brûlée is a delightful dessert known for the captivating contrast between its smooth custard and crispy caramelized topping. The sensation of cold custard and warm caramel creates a unique flavor experience. Breaking the thin, glass-like caramel layer with a spoon adds an element of fun. It’s a perfect dessert to make and enjoy with children, and impressive enough for guests. Try making this elegant dessert easily at home!
Basic Ingredients
- 2 cups store-bought custard or maple pudding
Caramel Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To make Crème Brûlée, prepare store-bought custard pudding or maple pudding. You can also use other types of pudding with a similar texture and taste. Choose a pudding that suits your preference.
Step 2
Gently invert the pudding onto a serving dish. This dish will be used to serve the finished Crème Brûlée. Using a pretty dessert bowl will enhance the presentation.
Step 3
Place the dish with the pudding in the microwave and heat for about 15 seconds. This will slightly melt the pudding, allowing it to spread and create a smooth, even surface. Be careful not to overheat it.
Step 4
Chill the microwaved pudding in the refrigerator overnight until firm. This step allows it to set like a chilled custard made from scratch. If you’re short on time, you can quickly set the slightly melted pudding by placing it in the freezer for a short while.
Step 5
Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the surface of the chilled pudding. Ensure the sugar forms a thin, uniform layer covering the entire pudding surface.
Step 6
Carefully spread the sugar with a spoon or your fingers to create a flat, even layer, making sure there are no clumps. A uniform sugar surface is key for beautiful caramelization later.
Step 7
After sprinkling sugar on the pudding, use a kitchen torch to directly heat the sugar surface. Gently move the torch to melt the sugar evenly until it turns a golden caramel color.
Step 8
Be mindful not to burn the sugar during the caramelization process. Melt it just until it reaches a rich, appetizing brown color, similar to the photo. The ideal color is a beautiful golden brown that is not bitter.
Step 9
Both puddings have been successfully caramelized. A kitchen torch is an essential tool for making Crème Brûlée, so be sure to have one ready. This step is difficult to achieve without a torch.
Step 10
The true charm of Crème Brûlée lies in the delightful contrast between the cold custard (pudding in this case) and the warm, freshly caramelized sugar topping, offering a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the hard, caramelized sugar layer perfectly complements the smooth pudding, creating a wonderful textural harmony.
Step 11
Tap the hardened sugar with a spoon, and it will crack like thin ice, providing a satisfying crunch and an enjoyable texture. This simple idea transforms a super easy dessert into something with special appeal. It’s a highly recommended recipe for a fun cooking activity with children, so give it a try!
