Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (2024)

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By Shawn Williams

5 from 1 vote

Dec 24, 2019, Updated Jan 25, 2024

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Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (2)

Cinnamon crème brûlée is one of MY FAVORITE date-night desserts. It’s the absolute best way to top off a nice steak dinner or special occasion meal. Now, I know what you may be thinking, this is an intimidating dessert to make with a lot of moving parts. No.

I’m here to assure you crème brûlée is actually quite simple with only a few basic ingredients. My easy cinnamon crème brûlée recipe is made with heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract (or fresh vanilla bean if you prefer), ground cinnamon. The cinnamon is a phenomenal subtle touch and delicious combo with the vanilla.

It’s honestly a straightforward and easy recipe—the hardest part is waiting for them to fully cool in the fridge.

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices, and for good reason. It makes the most delectable apple crisp topping, and jumps into breakfast for baked french toast. It’s so versatile that you can even use it in savory dishes such as Sweet Potato Gnocchi.

Table of Contents

  • Tips for Making Crème Brûlée
  • How to Make Crème Brûlée Without a Kitchen Torch
  • How to Torch Crème Brûlée
  • Can I Make Crème Brûlée Ahead of Time?
  • More Desserts to Enjoy
  • Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe

Tips for Making Crème Brûlée

  • Heat the cream until very hot. This will already start cooking the egg and ensure proper cook times in the oven.
  • Add the cinnamon to the egg and sugar mix. This is important for even mixing throughout, otherwise, it will likely clump up and sink to the bottom of the custard.
  • The boiling water bath is absolutely essential for success. Don’t use cold or warm water or the custard will be liquid when removed from the oven. Use a pyrex or ceramic baking dish with high sides and fill halfway with water WITH the ramekins already in the baking dish to prevent overflowing.
  • Don’t rush the setting process before the broiling or torching. The custard needs to firm up in the fridge for 3-4 hours like Jell-O. The outside of the ramekin should be very cool to the touch. If you rush this step, it will be runny after broiling or torching the top.
  • Be careful not to over or undercook the custard. Undercooked custard will be soupy and never set in the fridge. Overcooked custard will become spongy scrambled eggs. You want the majority of the surface to jiggle just like Jell-O when firmly tapping on the edge of the ramekin with a knife. You’ll know it when you see it. If it looks too liquid-like, it’s probably undercooked.
Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (3)
Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (4)
Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (5)
Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (6)

How to Make Crème Brûlée Without a Kitchen Torch

Good news! You don’t need a kitchen torch to make amazing crème brûlée at home. Simply use your oven’s broiler, with the custard’s tops about 4 inches from the heat source. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the sugar is caramelized and bubbling. Note, the tops will turn a deep golden brown very quickly so monitor closely to prevent scorching.

How to Torch Crème Brûlée

Torching crème brûlée is actually really easy, in fact, it’s a lot easier to control than broiling crème brûlée. Hold the flame 2 inches from the custard surface and move in a quick sweeping motion until sugar carmelizes and bubbles. Work your way over the entire custard until the desired level of brownness is reached. You don’ want the custard to be black, but don’t be afraid to give your custard a healthy browning.

A handy kitchen torch is easy to use and actually very affordable. I’ve linked to what I have. It comes in handy for various recipes and even some fancy co*cktail techniques. A quick tip, most kitchen torches are sold without butane gas if you order online so be sure to purchase separately.

Can I Make Crème Brûlée Ahead of Time?

Yes, in fact, you don’t really have a choice. Crème brûlée needs to set in the fridge for 3-4 hours until completely chilled. This step must be taken before the final finishing touch of caramelized sugar. You can make crème brûlée 1-2 days in advance if needed and keep in the fridge covered. Just note, the sugar topping should always be the last step, moments before serving.

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (7)

More Desserts to Enjoy

No-Churn Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe

Skillet Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Crack Brownies Recipe

Skillet Cookie Recipe

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5 from 1 vote

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 4

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 40 minutes mins

Total: 55 minutes mins

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Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (12)

A delicious spin on simple crème brûlée made with ground cinnamon. The perfect date-night or celebration dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups 1/2 quart heavy cream
  • 5 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Bring a medium size pot or kettle of water to a boil.

  • In a medium saucepan, combine cream, vanilla bean, and salt. Cook over low heat until hot (just before a simmer). Let sit for a few minutes off the burner, then discard vanilla bean (If using vanilla extract, stir in now).

  • In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and then add sugar and cinnamon. Whisk until sugar is fully incorporated. Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.

  • Place four 6-ounceramekinsin a baking dish with 2-3 inch sides. Fill the dish with boiling water about halfway up the sides of theramekins. Pour the custard filling into theramekins.

  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until centers are just set.If you gently tap the side of the ramekin with a knife, the majority of the surface should jiggle (not ripple) like firm Jell-O, but not appear watery or too liquid.Removeramekinsfrom the dish and let cool before refrigerating. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until fully chilled.

  • When ready to serve, top each custard with a thin layer of sugar, about 1/2 a teaspoon each.If using the oven’s broiler, placeramekins on a baking sheet in the oven about 3-4 inches from heat source. Turn on high broil and broil until sugar melts and turns a deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.If using a kitchen torch, hold the flame 2 inches from the custard surface and move in a quick sweeping motion until the sugar carmelizes and bubbles. Work your way over the entire custard until the desired level of brownness is reached. Let top cool/harden for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Note, the sugar will brown VERY quickly in some broilers, carefully watch to prevent burning. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, simply omit for traditional crème brûlée.

A kitchen torch is much easier and gives you more control than broiling. Linked is the one I have.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 27.8gProtein: 4.6gFat: 27.8gSaturated Fat: 15.9gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 33mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 25.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret of crème brûlée? ›

Chill custard overnight.

To get the smoothest, most gorgeous crème brûlée, cover the bowl and chill overnight. If you don't have the time, you can continue with the baking, but you'll get the silkiest custards by chilling the mix for at least a few hours.

What's the difference between crème brûlée and custard? ›

The main difference between the two is that creme brulee is topped with a layer of sugar that caramelizes under a broiler or torch, resulting in a crunchy, burnt sugar topping. Egg custard does not have this additional layer of sugar, but some recipes call for a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.

What's the difference between crème brûlée and caramel brûlée? ›

Crème brûlée and crème caramel are two different types of custard desserts. Crème brûlée is made with a rich custard base that is topped with a layer of hard caramel. Crème caramel is made with a caramelized sugar syrup that is poured over a layer of custard.

What is the best sugar to melt on crème brûlée? ›

Plain old white sugar is the best choice for crème brûlée

As the outlet explains, white sugar's small crystals easily melt under the heat of a blowtorch, meaning they'll caramelize quickly and leave the custard underneath nice and cool.

What not to do when making crème brûlée? ›

Avoid These Common Mistakes and Make a Flawless Crème Brûlée
  1. Using the Wrong Size Ramekin. Crème brûlée is traditionally baked in a wide, shallow ramekin. ...
  2. Using Whole Eggs. The pudding portion of crème brûlée should be trembling and tender, but still rich and creamy. ...
  3. Getting Water in the Pudding. ...
  4. Torching the Wrong Sugar.
Jan 20, 2016

What can go wrong with crème brûlée? ›

  • Whisking too much which will incorporate air bubbles in the custard. ...
  • Not using a water bath in the oven or enough water up the sides of the ramekin. ...
  • Overbaking, the custard should just jiggle a in the center when you remove from the oven. ...
  • Using granulated sugar for the brulee.
Feb 18, 2021

What is the fancy name for crème brûlée? ›

Crème brûlée or crème brulée (/ˌkrɛm bruːˈleɪ/; French pronunciation: [kʁɛm bʁy. le]), also known as burnt cream or Trinity cream, and virtually identical to crema catalana, is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar.

What does crème brûlée mean in english? ›

French, literally, scorched cream.

What is the difference between crème brûlée and leche flan? ›

“Leche Flan” is the Filipino version of Crème brûlée and is also known as Crème caramel. The main difference with this Filipino dessert is that leche flan is Jello-like in consistency, while crème brûlée is pudding-like. Another difference is how the leche flan is cooked.

What is the difference between egg tart and crème brûlée? ›

Where a crème brûlée custard recipe calls for two egg yolks per 3/4 cup of cream, the pastel de nata recipe calls for six egg yolks per cup of milk. The Portuguese tarts rely more on egg yolks to impart richness, whereas a standard custard relies more heavily on milk or cream.

Why does crème brûlée taste so good? ›

And speaking of flavor, it's a harmonious blend of cream, vanilla, and egg where vanilla adds a delightful note without stealing the show. Scalding cream is a crucial step in preparing a perfect crème brûlée that adds depth and richness to the custard base of a perfect crème brûlée.

Is crème brûlée good for you? ›

Crème brûlée is a dessert that is traditionally made with heavy cream, sugar, and eggs, and it is not considered a weight loss food. In fact, it is high in calories, fat, and sugar, and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities or as part of an overall unhealthy diet.

Is turbinado sugar better for crème brûlée? ›

The custards, especially if baked in shallow fluted dishes, will not be deep enough to provide an accurate reading with a dial-face thermometer. For the caramelized sugar crust, we recommend turbinado or Demerara sugar.

Can I caramelized the sugar on crème brûlée ahead of time? ›

After you've melted and caramelized the crème brûlée top, let it rest and harden for up to half an hour. You can do this before dinner, put them in the fridge, and then eat after you're done with your meal.

What is it called when you torch the sugar on crème brûlée? ›

Caramelizing Crème Brûlée With a Blowtorch.

What creates the hard top on a crème brûlée? ›

Crème brûlée is an easy dessert served in individual ramekins with a rich custard base made out of eggs, sugar, heavy cream and vanilla. The topping is made out of a thin layer of granulated sugar which is caramelized with a torch to create textually contrasting hard candy-like shell.

Why do you scald cream for crème brûlée? ›

Scalding the cream serves two primary purposes in crème brûlée preparation. It helps infuse the cream with the flavors of any added vanilla beans or extracts and ensures that the cream blends smoothly with the egg yolks, creating the velvety custard texture that crème brûlée is known for.

Why is my crème brûlée not creamy? ›

Undercooked: It's possible that you didn't bake it long enough. Crème brûlée should be set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center when you take it out. It will continue to set as it cools. Too much liquid: Make sure you're using the right proportion of cream to egg yolks.

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