18 Creme Brulee Flavors For Any Occasion

Table of Contents

Toggle

18 Creme Brulee Recipes That Will Surprise You

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know we love creme brulee. These desserts perfectly embody our “simple yet special” philosophy. They take a little time, yet the technique is straightforward, and the payoff is worth every minute.

Below, we share our best tips, then dive into an ever‑growing list of flavored creme brulee recipes. 

Before we crack into that sugar crust, let us cover a few basics that will make every batch silky smooth.

Vanilla Creme Brulee: A Classic Worth Mastering

The traditional vanilla version is always a solid choice, and if you’ve never made it before, it’s a great place to begin. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with various crème brûlée flavors with recipes that incorporate chocolate, espresso, matcha, seasonal fruits, or even liqueurs. It’s one of those desserts that’s endlessly customizable, which is why it has remained a favorite for so long.

How To Prep Ramekins And A Roasting Pan For Easy Creme Brulee Recipes

The first step is always to preheat the oven and bring a kettle of water to a boil. We recommend a large roasting pan with high sides. All ramekins should fit in a single layer. From there, you’ll follow these steps:

1. Divide the custard among the ramekins.
2. Place the roasting pan on a pulled‑out oven rack.
3. Pour the hot water around the ramekins until it reaches halfway up the sides. 

This gentle water bath keeps the custard from cracking.

Why Ramekin Size Matters for Different Creme Brulee Recipes

Shape influences bake time. Wide, shallow ramekins may finish a few minutes faster. Narrow, deep ramekins may require an extra minute or two. We make creme brulee with both styles, and adjust time as needed.

If your ramekins are wide and shallow, your custard may bake a little faster than the recipe states. If your ramekins are narrow and deep, you may need to bake the custard for a longer period.

Tips for Torching Creme Brulee Recipes

• Sprinkle an even layer of sugar on each custard.
• Keep the torch moving to avoid scorching spots.
• Work in stages: light amber, then medium, then deep golden. Stop as soon as any sugar smells burnt.

Whether you try one or three of these creme brulee flavoring ideas, the method stays the same. Use high‑quality cream, temper the egg yolks slowly, and take your time with the torch for the best creme brulee.

When you feel like branching out, refer back to this guide for inspiration. It has the best starting points for classic, creative, and downright fun desserts the whole table will remember.