Orange crème brûlée takes the classic French custard dessert to a whole new level. With its smooth, creamy texture and signature caramelized sugar top, this version is infused with fresh orange zest and a hint of ginger for a flavorful twist. If you’re looking for a unique take on crème brûlée, this orange crème brûlée recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Let me show you how to create this citrusy spin on a timeless favorite.
Focusing on a healthy diet doesn't mean giving up desserts like creme brulee. Keep it for special occasions and keep the portions small. Another tip, use big flavors so that just a few bites will satisfy. Once you find out creme brulee is easily made at home, it's fun to make for holidays and celebrations to wow your family and friends.
Why You'll Like This Recipe
- A tasty twist on a classic (instead of vanilla).
- A mini size is a small indulgence.
- Easy if you follow my directions.
If you love the flavor of orange, try this easy orange almond cake.
Recipe Ingredients
- Heavy whipping cream: A high butterfat content is needed for making a custard. Also called heavy cream. They are the same. Look for the word "heavy" on the label, not just cream.
- Sugar: You need regular sugar to sweeten the custard and coarse turbinado or Demerara sugar to "brulee' or burn the top to serve.
- Grated orange zest: For a bright citrus flavor.
- Ginger: Use finely grate fresh ginger or the jarred ginger.
- Eggs: You only need the yolks, which sets the custard. Save the whites for cookies, frittatas, or other recipes.
Please see recipe card for measurements and details.
Chef's tip: Heavy whipping cream vs. whipping cream: what's the difference? Heavy whipping cream is richer, containing no less than 36% butterfat. On the other hand, whipping cream (no 'heavy' on the label) has a slightly lower fat content, 30–36%. Some dairies or creameries make their heavy whipping cream up to 40%, which is extra rich.
Recipe Instructions
Combine heavy cream and sugar in a small pan. Heat and whisk to melt the sugar. Infuse the cream with lots of fresh orange zest and ginger for 30 minutes. Strain out the zest and ginger. Whisk warm, flavored cream with egg yolks.
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Line a large flat baking dish with a folded kitchen towel. The towel keeps the ramekins stable. Place ramekins on top of the towel in a flat layer and do not crowd them. Pour liquid custard into 2 ounce ramekins. Pour boiling hot water half way up the ramekins. This is called a water bath. It ensures gentle, even baking for a smooth, luscious custard.
Bake custard in a 300 degree (149 C) for approximately 35 minutes, or until the centers are just set and just a little bit wiggly. The best way to test is with a digital thermometer. It should register 170 degrees (76 C) . Don’t worry about the little hole that the thermometer might leave. Your sugar will cover it. Cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Use a Blow Torch
To burn the sugar top, the best tool is a blow torch, because it melts the sugar quickly without warming the chilled custard. What I’ve found works best is a torch that locks onto a butane can. Skip the mini, underpowered ones from cooking stores.
The Best Sugar for Creme Brulee
To create the “brulee” or burnt top, you need a coarse, golden brown sugar. Look for either demerara or turbinado sugar.
Remove ramekins from the refrigerator. Blot any condensation on top of the custards with the edge of a paper towel. Put about a 2 teaspoons of sugar on each custard and tap it to cover completely. Pout off the excess sugar for a thin coating.
Light your torch and slowly move it over the sugar. If the sugar starts to burn to quickly pull back a bit. Start with a lower setting, not as intense of a flame, and don’t get too close. When you have completed burning all of the sugar tops, serve and enjoy!
For a classic vanilla Creme Brulee recipe, try this one. And if you love the flavor of orange, try this orange almond cake. It's so easy and made in one pan.
📖 Recipe
Orange Creme Brulee
Equipment
- 2 ounce ramekins
- kitchen blow torch
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ⅓ cup organic sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon organic ginger puree or fresh finely grated ginger
- 6 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar
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Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees with the rack in the center. Put a full kettle on to boil water for a water bath.
- In a medium pan, combine the cream, sugar and salt. Bring to almost a boil and turn down to low immediately, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the grated orange zest and ginger. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the flavors to infuse for 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Strain the cream through a fine sieve into the bowl with the yolks and stir to combine. Discard any leftover solids left in the sieve. To fill easily fill ramekins, pour liquid custard into a 4-cup measuring cup with a pouring spout.
- Line a large, shallow baking dish with a folded kitchen towel. Place ramekins flat on the towel. Don’t crowd them. Fill the ramekins with the cream mixture. Move the dish to the oven rack. Carefully pour enough hot water around the ramekins to come up half way on their sides. Slowly and carefully slide the rack into the oven.
- Bake custards for approximately 35 minutes or until a digital thermometer registers 170 degrees in the center. The center of the custards will just be a little wiggly but set.
- Remove the custards to a wire rack and cool completely. Cover with plastic film and refrigerate overnight or for about 4 hours to totally chill.
- To finish and serve, remove custards from the refrigerator and uncover. Blot any excess moisture that has pooled on top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and tap to get an even, thin coating. Burn tops with a torch to caramelize the sugar into a golden crust. Serve.
Mary@SiftingFocus says
I have never met a creme brulee I didn't fall in love with and this one sounds like it would be at the top of my list. I love the addition of orange. I've never really thought about putting orange in a creme brulee but it is the perfect combination. I'll definitely be trying this one!