Bourbon creme brulee—it’s a dessert you’ll remember. Silky, rich, and topped with that satisfying crack of caramelized sugar, this one’s bound to win hearts. I’ll take you through each step so that even if you’ve never tackled creme brulee before, you’ll feel like a pro by the end. So, let’s get right into the kitchen and make some magic with this bourbon creme brulee recipe.

Bourbon Creme Brulee Recipe Overview
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Total Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To create the perfect bourbon creme brulee, we’ll need a few basic tools. Nothing fancy—just the essentials to get that creamy texture and caramelized top right.
- Ramekins
- Whisk
- Heavy-bottom saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Torch (for caramelizing the sugar)
- Baking dish for the water bath
Note: The water bath is crucial for even cooking, so don’t skip it.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
Sugar (divided) | ½ cup |
Egg Yolks | 5 large |
Bourbon | 1 tablespoon |
Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | a pinch |
Fun Fact: Creme brulee actually dates back to the 17th century and was initially popularized in France, though it has Spanish and English roots, too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Cream Mixture
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Don’t let it boil; you want it warm, just starting to steam.
- Stir occasionally to avoid scorching.
Tip: If you heat the cream too much, it can curdle. Keep it gentle.
Step 2 – Whisk the Yolks and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ¼ cup of sugar until pale and fluffy. This aeration is what gives your custard that silky texture.
Step 3 – Combine and Temper
- Pour the warm cream into the egg mixture slowly, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. The goal is smooth, rich custard, not scrambled eggs!
- Add the bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for balance.
Fact: The bourbon adds a rich, subtle flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
Step 4 – Strain the Mixture
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps from the custard mixture. This is crucial for that smooth, luxurious texture.
Step 5 – Pour and Bake
- Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Warning: The hot water bath is essential for even cooking. Without it, you risk a curdled, rubbery creme brulee.
Step 6 – Chill
- Remove the ramekins from the baking dish and allow them to cool. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream and eggs make a noticeable difference in the custard’s flavor.
- Distribute Sugar Evenly: When sprinkling sugar for caramelizing, make sure it’s even. This ensures a consistent caramel layer.
- Experiment: You can swap bourbon for flavors like espresso or cinnamon.
Pairing Suggestions
Bourbon creme brulee pairs well with these delicious accompaniments:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- A shot of espresso
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 340 |
Total Fat | 25g |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Approximation: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary.
Dietary Information
This bourbon creme brulee recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten. However, it contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for vegans.
Note: Check with your guests if they have any dietary restrictions before serving.
FAQs about Bourbon Creme Brulee
What is the best way to caramelize the sugar?
Using a kitchen torch gives the best results, allowing you to control the caramelization evenly across the top.
Can I substitute bourbon with another flavor?
Yes, you can! Vanilla, almond extract, or even espresso make great alternatives.
How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?
Tempering is key here. Add the warm cream slowly to the eggs, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.
Can I make bourbon creme brulee ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it up to the chilling stage, and just torch the sugar before serving.
Conclusion
Bourbon creme brulee is that dessert you’ll come back to time and time again. The smooth custard with a hint of bourbon and that signature caramel crunch on top—it’s a winning combination.
Don’t forget to leave your thoughts, questions, or feedback below!
Check out some more delicious dessert recipes:
- Pie Charlotte Recipe: The Ultimate Classic Dessert
- 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- 2 Ingredient Marshmallow Fluff Recipe
- Cherry Mash Recipe
- Tempura Cheesecake Recipe
- Penn Station Cookie Recipe

Bourbon Creme Brulee Recipe
Equipment
- Ramekins
- Whisk
- Heavy-bottom saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Torch (for caramelizing the sugar)
- Baking dish for the water bath
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Sugar divided
- 5 large Egg Yolks
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- a pinch Salt
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Cream Mixture
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Don’t let it boil; you want it warm, just starting to steam.
- Stir occasionally to avoid scorching.
- Tip: If you heat the cream too much, it can curdle. Keep it gentle.
Step 2 – Whisk the Yolks and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ¼ cup of sugar until pale and fluffy. This aeration is what gives your custard that silky texture.
- See also Texas Roadhouse Salmon Recipe
Step 3 – Combine and Temper
- Pour the warm cream into the egg mixture slowly, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. The goal is smooth, rich custard, not scrambled eggs!
- Add the bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for balance.
- Fact: The bourbon adds a rich, subtle flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
Step 4 – Strain the Mixture
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps from the custard mixture. This is crucial for that smooth, luxurious texture.
Step 5 – Pour and Bake
- Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Warning: The hot water bath is essential for even cooking. Without it, you risk a curdled, rubbery creme brulee.
Step 6 – Chill
- Remove the ramekins from the baking dish and allow them to cool. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream and eggs make a noticeable difference in the custard’s flavor.
- Distribute Sugar Evenly: When sprinkling sugar for caramelizing, make sure it’s even. This ensures a consistent caramel layer.
- Experiment: You can swap bourbon for flavors like espresso or cinnamon.
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