Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Recipe (2024)

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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.

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.

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.

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