Zesty Lemon Sunshine Crème Brûlée
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had one of those days? Honestly, sometimes a lemon creme brulee is all I need. It's a creamy, zesty hug in a ramekin. Fancy a twist on the classic?
Brief Overview
Crème brûlée with lemon , originates from France, and this is my spin. It's not too tricky and it is very easy to make.
Budget about 3 hours, including chilling. This recipe makes 6 glorious servings.
Main Benefits
This Citrus Crème brûlée is lighter than the classic, so you don't feel quite as guilty! Perfect for a dinner party, or a cheeky Tuesday treat.
What makes this recipe so special? That tangy lemon kick. It's a Classic French dessert with a twist .
Ready to get started?
My Homemade Crème brûlée Story
You know, I used to be terrified of making crème brûlée. Scared of curdling the custard. Now I am using the Lemon Crème brûlée recipe .
But with this easy lemon creme brulee version, even I can nail it. The secret? Low and slow baking. Trust me.
It might seem a bit poncy, but I love serving the zesty custard dessert to my friends. A little sprinkling of sugar, blowtorch and BAM burnt cream dessert .
What you will need
Here's your shopping list for this crème brûlée variations masterpiece:
- 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, for brûléeing
Equipment
- 6 ramekins (6-8 ounce size)
- Large baking dish (for water bath)
- Whisk
- Fine mesh sieve
- Kitchen torch (or broiler)
- Saucepan
- Thermometer (optional, but recommended for accuracy)
Let's get cooking!
Right then, let’s talk ingredients and kit for this cracking lemon creme brulee ! Honestly, it's easier than you think! You might be surprised it all boils down to a few key bits and bobs.
This easy Lemon Crème brûlée will be your new go-to.
Ingredients You'll Need: The Nitty Gritty
Alright, time to get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need for about six servings of pure, unadulterated Crème brûlée with lemon joy:
Main Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups (473 ml) . Quality is key here. Go for the proper stuff; the thickest you can find will give you the silkiest Crème brûlée variations .
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (237 ml) . Don't skimp on the fat content!
- Vanilla Bean: 1 , split and scraped. Or, if you're in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of good vanilla extract will do.
- Egg Yolks: 6 large. This is where the richness comes from.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g) , plus extra for brûléeing. We’ll get to that crunchy, yummy topping later.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Bottled stuff just won't cut it. You want that zing.
- Lemon Zest: From 2 lemons. Essential for that zesty custard dessert .
- Pinch of salt.
Seasoning Notes
Spices? Not really needed here. The vanilla and lemon are the stars. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny grating of nutmeg could add a nice warmth, but honestly, it's perfect as is.
For a Citrus Crème brûlée , you could even experiment with lime or orange zest.
Kit You'll Need: Keeping it Simple
Now, onto the gear. Don't worry, you don't need a fancy chef's kitchen for this Homemade Crème brûlée . You'll be able to whip up a Lemon Crème brûlée recipe in no time.
Equipment Needed
- Ramekins: 6 (6-8 ounce size). These little pots are crucial.
- Baking Dish: Large enough to hold the ramekins in a water bath.
- Whisk: For combining the ingredients.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Essential for a smooth, lump free custard.
- Kitchen Torch: For that iconic burnt cream dessert . If you don't have one, a broiler can work, but watch it like a hawk !
- Saucepan: For heating the cream mixture.
- Thermometer: (Optional) If you want to be precise.
That's it! With those bits and bobs, you're well on your way to creating a classic French dessert with a twist .
So gather your ingredients and let's get started making some Lemon Crème brûlée recipe , shall we?
Cracking the Code: Lemon Crème brûlée
Honestly, who can resist a good Crème brûlée with lemon ? It’s that classic French dessert with a twist that just screams "fancy," even if you're eating it in your PJs (no judgement here!).
I remember the first time I tried to make it, Oh my gosh, it was a burnt cream dessert disaster! But fear not, I'm here to guide you through, so you don't end up with a sugary brick.
This lemon creme brulee recipe is about to become your new party trick.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: Get organised! You need to measure out everything before you even think about turning on the hob.
We're talking 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream , 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk , 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar , and all that jazz.
Having your ingredients ready saves so much time and stress. Also, those egg yolks? Handle with care! We need 6 large egg yolks looking their best.
Oh, and preheat your oven to 325° F ( 160° C) .
From Bland to Grand: The Crème Brûlée Shuffle
- Heat the cream, milk, and vanilla (use a vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ) until simmering.
- Whisk those egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt like your life depends on it until they're pale and slightly thick.
- Slowly pour the hot cream into the eggs, whisking constantly so you don't end up with scrambled eggs. Nobody wants that.
- Stir in your fresh 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice and the zest of 2 lemons . The Citrus Crème brûlée is taking shape!
- Strain the mixture to get rid of any lumps. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Pour into your ramekins. Now, get your baking dish ready for a water bath fill it with hot water halfway up the ramekins.
- Bake for 30- 40 minutes . Look for a slight jiggle in the center when done.
Pro Tips for Crème Brûlée Glory
Wanna take your Easy Lemon Crème brûlée to the next level? Here's the secret sauce.
- Don't overbake it. Overbaked Crème brûlée variations are sad, grainy things.
- Chill, chill, chill! It needs at least 2 hours in the fridge before you even think about brûléeing the top.
- For that perfect Zesty custard dessert , use a kitchen torch and move it slowly and evenly. No torch? Broil it, but watch it like a hawk!
Homemade Crème brûlée doesn't have to be intimidating. Just follow these steps, and you'll be serving up restaurant quality dessert in no time.
I swear! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make a Classic French dessert with a twist right in your own kitchen.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Lemon Creme Brulee
Right then, let's talk shop about this incredible lemon creme brulee recipe ! I'm sharing all my secrets so you can nail this delightful dessert.
This isn't just any pudding; it's a little slice of heaven, a truly zesty custard dessert . Honestly, it's easier than you think.
Serving Suggestions: Posh Presentation, Sorted!
Fancy some lemon creme brulee ? Presentation is key, right? Think about how you'll serve your masterpiece! I love topping mine with fresh raspberries or a few vibrant blueberries.
It just adds that extra pop of colour and flavour. A few shortbread cookies on the side for dipping? Oh my gosh, yes please! Pair it with a chilled glass of dessert wine, like a Sauternes - total bliss, innit? These are Crème brûlée variations that will impress everyone.
Storage Tips: Keep It Cool, Bruv!
So, you've got some leftover crème brûlée with lemon . No worries! Pop them in the fridge, covered, and they'll be good for up to 3 days .
Honestly, mine never last that long! I wouldn’t recommend freezing them though. The texture goes all weird. Reheating isn't really a thing either.
It's best enjoyed chilled. A little patience, and you'll have an easy lemon crème brûlée ready to devour.
Variations: Mix It Up, Why Don't Ya?
Want to get creative? Let's talk variations! How about making it dairy-free? Coconut cream works a treat. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Swapping out the lemon for orange? Orange Crème brûlée is such a zesty alternative. For a classic French dessert with a twist , try infusing your homemade crème brûlée with lavender.
It's a bit fancy, but so worth it. These swaps can give you the best citrus Crème brûlée .
Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence!
Alright, let's be real: Lemon Creme Brulee is a treat! A serving of this burnt cream dessert comes in at around 450 calories.
It's got about 7g of protein and 35g of fat (from all that delicious cream!), and around 25g of carbs.
It’s all about balance, right? Think of the lemon as a vitamin C boost! So treat yourself every now and then! And it's good for the soul.
This lemon dessert recipes can be made at home. Go on, give it a go! You've got this. This creamy, zesty dessert will definitely be the star of your next dinner party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my lemon creme brulee curdle? It looks like scrambled eggs, crikey!
Oh dear, that's a right bother! Curdling usually happens because the custard was overcooked or the eggs weren't tempered properly. Make sure to heat the cream and milk gently, and gradually whisk the hot mixture into the yolks to raise their temperature slowly.
A water bath is also crucial for gentle, even cooking, so don't skip that step!
Can I make lemon creme brulee ahead of time? I'm hosting a dinner party, you see.
Absolutely! The custard base can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. However, hold off on brûléeing the sugar topping until just before serving. No one wants a soggy sugar crust! This will keep the dessert tasting fresh and looking its best, you see.
Help! I don't have a kitchen torch. Can I still make lemon creme brulee with that lovely caramelized top?
Don't you fret! You can definitely use your broiler. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and broil for just a minute or two, watching very closely it can go from golden brown to burnt faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle!".
Keep the oven door slightly ajar and remove them as soon as the sugar is caramelized.
Is there a dairy-free version of lemon creme brulee? I've got a mate who's lactose intolerant.
Good on you for thinking of your friends! Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with full fat coconut cream or cashew cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. You may need to adjust the sugar level slightly depending on the sweetness of your chosen alternative.
What's the best way to store leftover lemon creme brulee? I have some spare after the party!
Once brûléed, crème brûlée is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftover custard before brûléeing, cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The caramelized topping doesn't hold up well, so only brûlée what you plan to eat right away.
My lemon creme brulee doesn't taste very lemony. How can I boost the flavor next time?
Ah, a valid point! To amp up the lemon flavour in your lemon creme brulee, try adding a bit more lemon zest, making sure to only zest the yellow part and avoiding the bitter white pith. A touch of lemon extract can also give it an extra zing. Taste as you go and adjust until it's just right for your palate!
Zesty Lemon Sunshine Creme Brulee
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |