This Orange Creme Brulee is one of the easiest, creamiest, and most melt-in-your-mouth delicious desserts you can make. Your friends and family will devour it in no time and ask for seconds.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Orange Creme Brûlée Recipe uses 5 ingredients and is a great treat for special occasions or simply when you crave a dessert that won't break the bank. Here's why we love this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
- Orange Zest: The use of orange zest adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the rich custard.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe offers an affordable way to enjoy a luxurious dessert at home.
- Make-Ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it the perfect finale to a dinner party or special meal.
- Versatility: The simple, elegant flavors of this creme brûlée make it a perfect dessert for a wide variety of meals.
- Easy Preparation: The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are sure to impress your friends and family.
Key Ingredients
- Cream – It gives our orange crème brulee its signature velvety texture. It’s the base of our dessert and provides a rich, luxurious flavor.
- Oranges – The zest of 2 large oranges is the star of our recipe. It infuses the cream with a bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the custard.
- Egg Yolks – They thicken the cream and give our crème brulee its smooth, custard-like consistency. Make sure you save the egg whites for another recipe, like a fluffy omelet or meringue.
- Sugar – We use sugar to sweeten the custard and to caramelize on top. It creates a beautifully crisp, golden crust that contrasts with the creamy custard underneath.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some fun variations and substitutions to make this recipe your own:
- Use Different Citrus Zest: This recipe calls for the zest of two large oranges, but feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or even grapefruit for a different flavor combo.
- Different Extracts: While this recipe uses vanilla extract, you can definitely play around with other flavors. Almond extract or even a hint of orange blossom water can add a twist to the traditional recipe.
How to Make Orange Creme Brulee
Step 1: In a pot, simmer cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Let it rest. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Slowly add orange-infused cream and whisk. Strain the custard.
Step 2: Place ramekins in a baking dish. Pour the custard into the ramekins. Then, add boiling water to the baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Step 3: Remove from the oven and let it cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top. Use a blowtorch to melt the sugar and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Orange Creme Brulee
- Orange crème brûlée is perfect on its own as a dessert. It’s creamy, rich, and has a beautiful caramelized sugar topping.
- You can serve it with a cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Riesling.
- Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries make a great accompaniment to crème brûlée. The tartness of the berries contrasts nicely with the sweet custard.
- Serve orange crème brûlée as the grand finale to a special dinner. It’s a luxurious dessert that will impress your guests.
- It pairs well with a variety of cuisines, so feel free to serve it after a French, Italian, or American-style meal.
- If you’re having a dinner party, you can make the crème brûlée ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Then just caramelize the sugar right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heavy cream is the best choice for making creme brulee. It gives the dessert its rich and creamy texture. Using a lower-fat cream may result in a less creamy consistency.
While using a blowtorch is the traditional and easiest method to caramelize the sugar on top, it's not the only way. You can also achieve the same result by placing the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the sugar from burning.
Straining the custard helps to remove the orange zest and any bits of cooked egg that may have formed. This results in a smoother and more refined final texture for your creme brulee.
Orange creme brulee can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to consume it within 24 hours.
Recipe
Best Creme Brulee Recipe
Ingredients
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- 2.5 c cream
- 2 large oranges zested
- 5 egg yolks
- 16 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium pot add cream, vanilla extract and orange zest and bring to a low simmer. Remove from the heat and let it rest for 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 300 F.
- In a large bowl whisk together egg yolks and 4 tablespoon of sugar. Slowly add orange infused cream and whisk until no lumps remain.
- Strain custard through a fine mesh strainer.
- Place empty ramekins in a large rectangular baking dish and distribute Creme Brûlée among the ramekins.
- Fill the baking dish with the boiling water halfway up the ramekins and carefully transfer it into the oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until Creme Brûlée is slightly wobbly in the center.
- Remove Creme Brûlée from the oven, let it cool completely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of sugar on top of Creme Brûlée and using a culinary blowtorch melt the sugar to create a brown crust. (See the notes for the alternative to the blowtorch)
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Preheat the oven to broil.
- Sprinkle Creme Brûlée with 1-2 tablespoon of sugar and place under the broiler for about 2 minutes or until sugar melts. Be careful, as the ramekins will be hot.
Nutrition
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Petro says
Well
Natalia Bartkova says
Very delicious dessert, silky and smooth with sophisticated orange flavor.
Easyfoodsmith says
It looks perfect!
Iryna says
Thank you!
Bartkova Natalia says
Best ever creme brûlée!!!
Iryna says
Thank you!