Indulge in the creamy, smooth, and luscious flavors of vanilla crème brûlée with this classic recipe. This delicate dessert is a French staple, known for its delicate custard topped with a layer of hard caramel. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this vanilla crème brûlée recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich and comforting taste.

Ingredients:

– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for the topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help remove the crème brûlée from the dish after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla bean pod. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl with the egg yolk mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, dividing it evenly among 6 ramekins.
6. Place the ramekins in a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This will create a water bath, which will help the crème brûlée bake evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crème brûlée is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
9. Once the crème brûlée is chilled, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each ramekin.
10. Using a kitchen torch, carefully torch the sugar until it forms a hard caramel shell. Be cautious when using the torch, as it can be very hot.
11. Serve the vanilla crème brûlée immediately, as the caramel will soften once exposed to room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade vanilla crème brûlée with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.