Description
Pandan Creme Brûlée is a luxurious Asian-fusion dessert featuring a creamy custard infused with fragrant pandan extract. This baked custard is topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust, offering a delightful balance of smooth texture and crunchy sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pandan extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the custards.
- Heat Cream and Milk: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat until just steaming, making sure it does not boil.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, pandan extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Temper Eggs: Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain Custard: Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to ensure a silky smooth texture.
- Pour into Ramekins: Divide the custard evenly among 4 to 6 ramekins.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the ramekins into a baking dish, then fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a gentle water bath.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the water bath and ramekins to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the custards are set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the ramekins from the oven, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Caramelize Sugar Topping: Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, broil briefly under the oven’s broiler watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Allow the caramelized topping to harden for 1 to 2 minutes, then serve and enjoy your pandan-flavored creme brûlée!
Notes
- Pandan extract potency may vary; adjust quantity to suit your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar topping by placing the ramekins under the oven’s broiler for a short time. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Use fresh eggs and quality pandan extract for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the water bath is hot and filled halfway to prevent uneven cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
