Maple Crème Brûlée

Maple Crème Brûlée Recipe from New England

Region / culture: New England | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Maple Crème Brûlée is a decadent and creamy dessert that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup with a classic custard base. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated and delicious treat.

History

Crème Brûlée, which translates to "burnt cream" in French, is a classic dessert that originated in France. The first known recipe for Crème Brûlée dates back to the 17th century, and it has since become a popular dessert around the world. The addition of maple syrup to the traditional recipe adds a unique and delicious twist to this timeless dessert.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of pure Vermont maple syrup
3 large egg yolks
1 large egg
1.5 cups of whipping cream
0.5 cup of whole milk
granulated pure Vermont maple sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, yolks, and egg until well blended.
In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the cream and milk and bring to a boil.
Gradually whisk the hot cream mixture into the yolk mixture.
Divide the custard evenly among the prepared dishes.
Place the dishes into a roasting pan.
Add enough hot water to the pan to come halfway up the sides of the dishes.
Cover the pan with foil.
Bake the custards until they are set in the center, about 55 minutes.
Chill the custards uncovered until they are cold, for at least 5 hours (can be made a day ahead).
Cover the custards and keep them refrigerated.
Before serving, top each custard with maple sugar and carefully burnish it with a blow torch, or put it under the broiler for 2 minutes until the sugar is melted.

Variations

You can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture for a boozy twist.
Try using different types of maple syrup, such as dark or amber, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use pure Vermont maple syrup for the best flavor in this recipe.

- When burning the sugar on top of the custards, be careful not to burn it too much. You want a nice caramelized crust, not a burnt one.

- Make sure to chill the custards for at least 5 hours before serving to allow them to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Maple Crème Brûlée with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect Maple Crème Brûlée is to bake the custards in a water bath to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the custards a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the maple sugar topping right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Maple Crème Brûlée in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Maple Crème Brûlée pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, such as Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Maple Crème Brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the custards under the broiler for a few minutes to re-caramelize the sugar topping.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maple Crème Brûlée contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Maple Crème Brûlée contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Maple Crème Brûlée contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Maple Crème Brûlée contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Maple Crème Brûlée is a rich source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Maple Crème Brûlée contains dairy and eggs.

Summary

Maple Crème Brûlée is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is a delicious treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Maple Crème Brûlée is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something sweet. With its creamy texture and rich maple flavor, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Maple Crème Brûlée. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, and there was a chill in the air that hinted at the impending winter. I had been invited to a friend's house for dinner, and she had promised to make a special dessert that she had been raving about for weeks.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of maple syrup and vanilla. My friend was busy whisking together a rich custard mixture, explaining to me that this was her grandmother's famous recipe for Maple Crème Brûlée. She told me that her grandmother had learned to make it from a French chef who had traveled to her small town many years ago, and that it had been a family favorite ever since.

I watched as my friend carefully poured the custard into individual ramekins, then placed them in a water bath in the oven to bake. The sweet scent of maple filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. After the custards had baked and cooled, my friend sprinkled a thin layer of sugar on top of each one, then carefully caramelized it with a kitchen torch until it was golden and crackling.

As we sat down to enjoy our dessert, I took my first bite of the Maple Crème Brûlée. The creamy custard melted on my tongue, the maple flavor mingling with the rich, eggy base. The caramelized sugar on top added a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the smooth texture of the custard beneath. It was decadent, indulgent, and utterly delicious.

I begged my friend for the recipe, knowing that I had to make this dessert for my own family. She gladly shared it with me, and I spent the next few days gathering the ingredients and preparing to make it for them. As I whipped the eggs and sugar together, stirred in the cream and maple syrup, and poured the mixture into ramekins, I couldn't help but think of my friend's grandmother and the French chef who had inspired this recipe.

When the Maple Crème Brûlée was finally finished and ready to be served, I couldn't wait to see my family's reaction. As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. They marveled at the creamy texture, the rich maple flavor, and the satisfying crunch of the caramelized sugar on top. They declared it a new family favorite, and begged me to make it again soon.

From that day on, Maple Crème Brûlée became a staple in our household. I made it for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, each time savoring the memories of that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who all marveled at its decadence and richness. And every time I made it, I thought of my friend's grandmother and the French chef who had passed down this delicious dessert through the generations.

As I grow older, I cherish the memories of learning to make Maple Crème Brûlée and the joy it has brought to my family and friends. I am grateful for the chance to carry on this tradition, to share a taste of France with those I love, and to savor each creamy, maple-infused bite as if it were the first. And as I pass this recipe on to future generations, I hope that they too will feel the same sense of anticipation and delight that I did when I first discovered it.