Indulge in a sophisticated treat with this Coffee Creme Brulee recipe, perfect for those seeking a delightful combination of coffee and creamy custard. Drawing inspiration from Parisian café culture, this recipe offers a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Start by preheating your oven to 140 °C. Avoid using the convection setting as it can disrupt the smooth texture of the custard.
Prepare the Coffee and Vanilla Mixture
Grind the coffee beans coarsely and scoop out the pulp from the lengthwise-cut vanilla bean. In a saucepan, bring the cream, milk, vanilla bean and pulp, a pinch of cinnamon, and the ground coffee to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and let it sit for 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Whisk the Egg Yolks
While the cream mixture is cooling, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until they’re pale and creamy.
Strain and Combine
Strain the coffee-infused cream through a fine sieve to remove the solids. Stir in the slightly cooled brewed espresso.
Fill the Cups
Pour the mixture into 6 heat-proof cups or a 10 cm soufflé dish.
Bake in a Water Bath
Place the cups in a deep baking dish and pour hot water into the dish, reaching about 2/3 of the way up the cups. This water bath ensures even baking and prevents the custard from curdling. Bake for approximately 80 minutes.
Cool and Chill
After baking, let the custards cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them overnight to set.
Caramelize the Sugar
Just before serving, evenly sprinkle brown sugar on top of each custard. Use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust.
Notes
Once you’ve mastered the basic coffee creme brulee, consider experimenting with these variations:Chocolate Coffee Creme Brulee: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream mixture for a chocolatey twist.Spiced Coffee Creme Brulee: Infuse the cream with additional spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic dessert.Irish Coffee Creme Brulee: Incorporate a splash of Irish cream liqueur for a boozy kick.Mocha Creme Brulee: Mix in some melted dark chocolate and a touch of coffee liqueur to create a rich mocha flavor.