Crème Brûlée for Two is the ultimate romantic dessert: a rich, creamy custard base topped with a glassy, crackly caramelized sugar crust that shatters with the tap of a spoon.
This elegant French classic is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for special occasions like date nights, anniversaries, or just an indulgent evening treat.
Serve it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of elegance.
Crème Brûlée for Two Recipe
Equipment
- 2 small ramekins 4 oz size
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer optional but recommended
- Baking dish or pan for water bath
- Kitchen torch (preferred) or broiler
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar plus extra for topping
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place two 4-ounce ramekins in a baking dish with high sides.Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam but not boil. Remove from heat.
- Mix egg yolks and sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. If desired, strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer for extra smoothness.
- Fill the ramekins: Divide the custard mixture evenly between the two ramekins.Prepare the water bath: Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins, reaching halfway up the sides. This helps cook the custard gently and evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove ramekins from the water bath and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).Caramelize the sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden top. Alternatively, place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Let sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the sugar top to harden. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 23g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 250mg |
| Sodium | 45mg |
| Potassium | 80mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 21g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 1200 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 0.3mg |
| Serving Size | ~130g |
Cooking Tips
- No torch? Use your oven’s broiler, but keep the ramekins close to the heat and watch them carefully.
- Straining the custard before baking ensures the smoothest texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality cream and real vanilla for the best flavor.
- Chill thoroughly to help the custard set properly before caramelizing.
Serving Ideas for Crème Brûlée for Two
Crème Brûlée is a dessert that shines on its own, but a few thoughtful serving touches can elevate the experience even more.
For an elegant presentation, serve the ramekins on small dessert plates with a garnish of fresh berries, raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries, all add a burst of color and subtle tartness that beautifully complements the custard’s rich vanilla flavor.
A mint sprig or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a fresh, refined touch. If you’re going for extra indulgence, add a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of fruit coulis on the side of the plate.
To pair with drinks, consider serving Crème Brûlée with espresso or a small glass of dessert wine such as Sauternes, Moscato, or a rich port. For special occasions, a glass of champagne adds a celebratory feel that contrasts nicely with the silky custard and crisp sugar shell.
You can also flavor the custard base with subtle additions, like a splash of Grand Marnier, espresso, or a bit of citrus zest, for a variation that still feels classic but with a personal twist.
@kellyscleankitchen Tips for making creme brulées for large numbers of people! As a chef I often have to cook for parties of 8-40 people. The hardest part of that is both finding recipes that scale well, and having the proper tools to be able to cook for that many people. One recipe I make time and time again for larger numbers is creme brulee. It is fairly easy to scale, and doesn’t involve any cake making which I love. The tricky part is finding a dish large enough to bake the creme brûlées in a water bath. Standard baking dishes usually only hold up to 6, so I have been using my @Hestan Culinary Large Oven Roaster to bake my creme brûlées in. It is the perfect width and height for larger amounts of creme brulées. You will often see large oven roasters used in restaurants for roast beef or chicken, but they are great at home for all kinds of things. I love to use for things like meats, side dishes, and desserts because they are oven safe, broiler safe, work on induction cooktops and in dishwashers, and the design is so pretty I can also use to serve the dish. Hestan currently has them on sale for 20% off now through April 22nd, so now is the time to grab some! #HestanPartner #ad #cremebrulees #cooking #cookware ♬ original sound – Chef Kelly Scott
Final Thoughts
Crème Brûlée for Two brings elegance and simplicity together in a way that feels effortlessly special. With its silky custard base and perfectly caramelized top, it delivers contrast in every spoonful, creamy beneath, crisp on top.
Ideal for quiet nights in, date nights, or celebratory dinners, it offers a small-batch solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor or presentation.
A few basic ingredients, a touch of patience, and a little sugar magic at the end turn it into a dessert worth repeating.