Name: Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tablespoons cold water; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract); 5 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing

This Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart is the epitome of elegance and indulgence. Combining a crisp, buttery pastry crust with a velvety, rich crème brûlée custard, it offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Topped with a beautifully caramelized sugar layer, this dessert is sure to impress anyone at the table, making it ideal for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about this Crème Brûlée Tart? The buttery, flaky crust contrasts perfectly with the smooth, rich custard filling. The vanilla flavor is beautifully infused into the custard, and the caramelized sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. It’s a showstopper of a dessert that brings the French classic crème brûlée into tart form, making it both elegant and indulgent. If you’re someone who enjoys creating sophisticated yet simple desserts, this one is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg yolk

2 tablespoons cold water

For the Crème Brûlée Filling:

2 cups heavy cream

1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)

5 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Tart Crust: In a food processor, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, then pulse until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat and Prepare the Tart Shell: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Prick the base of the tart with a fork.

Bake the Tart Shell: Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let the tart shell cool.

Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and split vanilla bean (scrape out the seeds) until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod.

Whisk the Custard: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Gradually whisk in the warm cream.

Assemble the Tart: Pour the custard into the cooled tart shell. Place the tart pan into a larger baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.

Bake the Tart: Bake the tart at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Chill the Tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours.

Caramelize the Sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the custard surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let the sugar harden for about a minute, then slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (+ chilling)

Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Add Fruit: For a fruity twist, you can add fresh berries on top of the crème brûlée filling before caramelizing the sugar. Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries would add a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the custard.

Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Add a few ounces of melted dark chocolate into the custard mixture for a chocolate version of this classic dessert.

Infused Custard: Experiment with infusing the custard with flavors like lavender, orange zest, or cinnamon for a unique spin.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the crème brûlée tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Reheating: While the tart is best enjoyed cold, if you prefer the custard slightly warmed, you can gently reheat it in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) for about 10 minutes. However, once the sugar is caramelized, it’s best not to reheat, as the sugar might lose its crispness.

Related Recipes:

Crème Brûlée Pie

FAQs

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, it’s important to bake the tart shell until it’s lightly golden and crisp before adding the custard. The pie weights or dried beans also help keep the crust from puffing up and getting uneven.

Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made tart crust can be a great shortcut. Just bake it according to the instructions before adding the custard.

How do I caramelize the sugar without a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the tart under a broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the sugar. Make sure the tart is at room temperature before doing this.

Can I make the tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the tart up to 1 day in advance. Just make sure to add the caramelized sugar layer right before serving, so it stays crisp.

What should I do if the custard doesn’t set properly?

If the custard is too runny after baking, it may need more time in the oven. Return it to the oven for 5-minute increments and check the consistency. The custard should be set but slightly wobbly in the center when fully baked.

Conclusion

This Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and textures. From the buttery crust to the velvety custard and the crunchy caramelized sugar topping, every bite is a perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this tart is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

📖 Recipe: