Chocolate Espresso Crème Brûlée

Sunday Dinner

Shrimp and Sherry Cheese Spread
Crackers

Roast Chicken
Pommes Anna
Green Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Croutons

Chocolate Espresso Crème Brûlée

This Sunday dinner is a collection of some of our favorites. And when you see a roast chicken on the menu, 9 times out of 10 there will be something chocolate for dessert. Like the Meyer Lemon Molten Cakes, this recipe is a spin on the classic version of cream, eggs, and sugar. The flavors of chocolate and espresso make for a whole new crème brûlée experience. 

I like to use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar. It does the job nicely and provides a little after-dinner entertainment, but you can use the broiler element in your oven. ust be careful that the oven doesn’t warm the custard too much. Once the sugar hardens, break the sweet “glass” and dig your spoon into the creamy goodness.

Sunday Dinner one year ago
Sunday Dinner two years ago

Chocolate Espresso Crème Brûlée

By Nicole Prep: 10 minsCook: 45 minsRefrigeration Time: 4 hrsTotal: 4 hrs 55 mins Servings: 6 Creamy chocolate custard topped with caramelized sugar will surely impress your guests!

Equipment

• Ramekins
• Kitchen torch

Ingredients 

• 2 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 4 extra-large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 300ºF. Arrange six (4 ounce) ramekins in a shallow roasting pan; set aside. Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, chocolate and espresso powder together over medium heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate is melted and the cream is steamy hot, but not simmering. Remove from the heat and whisk until smooth.
3. Meanwhile, whisk the yolks, ¼ cup of the sugar, the vanilla, and the salt together in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolk mixture. Pour the combined mixture through a strainer into a liquid measuring cup with a pourable spout.
4. Evenly pour the chocolate mixture into the ramekins. Fill the pan with enough hot water to come up the sides of the ramekins (being careful not to get any water in the custard).
5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the custard is set. Remove the ramekins from the water and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to serve, sprinkle the tops with the remaining ¼ cup of the sugar (about 2 teaspoons per custard cup). Using a kitchen torch, heat the sugar until melted and golden, being careful not to warm the custard too much. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip: I use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar. It does the job nicely and provides a little after-dinner entertainment.  You can also use the broiler element in your oven. Set the rack 4 to 6 inches away from the broiler and broil until the sugar caramelizes and hardens. Be careful that the oven doesn’t warm the custard too much. Make ahead: Custards can be made up to 2 days in advance.  Brulée custards just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 496kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 41g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 231mg, Sodium: 32mg, Potassium: 239mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 1492IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 86mg, Iron: 1mg

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