crème brûlée

food

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Crème brûlée is a rich custard dessert topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. The custard itself is a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and flavorings that thickens when heated due to the coagulation of egg protein.12

To prepare crème brûlée, the custard is baked, and then sugar is sprinkled over the top. This sugar is then caramelized using a broiler or a hot iron, creating a thin, crisp shell that contrasts with the smooth custard beneath. The name itself is French, literally meaning "scorched cream". This dessert has been in use since at least 1886.21

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custard
For crème brûlée, the baked custard is sprinkled with sugar that is caramelized under a broiler or with a hot iron called a salamander. The sugar forms a thin crisp shell over the custard.
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For crème brûlée, the baked custard is sprinkled with sugar that is caramelized under a broiler or with a hot iron called a salamander. The sugar forms a thin crisp shell over the custard.
Read More