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Pistachio Creme Brulee Recipe

Pistachio Creme Brulee Recipe - Treat Indulgently

Picture this: It’s Friday evening, and you want to impress your friends with a dish that says “I care.” You whip out your bowls and a whisk, excited to create something truly delightful. The recipe I’m about to share with you is Pistachio Crème Brûlée. 
This dessert turns out creamy and smooth, with a perfect caramelized layer that adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a treat that dazzles at dinner parties and charms family gatherings alike. And trust me, once you’ve tried your hand at making this, you’ll want to share it with everyone.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: France
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup pistachio-flavored cream spread
  • 1/3 cup caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • superfine sugar, for sprinkling on top

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Before anything else, heat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gives the oven time to reach the perfect temperature for baking the custards.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and pistachio-flavored cream spread. Heat over medium-low until steaming but not boiling. Be attentive not to scorch the cream. While that's heating, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
  1. Once the cream is warm, slowly add a small amount to the yolk mixture while whisking. This process, known as tempering, prevents the eggs from curdling. Gradually whisk in the remaining cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
  1. To ensure a silky texture, pour the custard mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another bowl or pitcher. Discard any bits that don't pass through.
Step 5: Fill Your Ramekins
  1. Divide the custard evenly among ramekins. Place these in a baking dish. Add hot water to the pan until halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath will help the custards cook evenly.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly. Keep an eye on them!
Step 7: Chill the Custards
  1. Remove the ramekins from the water bath. Let them cool at room temperature for a bit, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 8: Caramelize the Top
  1. Once your custards are fully chilled, it’s time to create that signature crunchy top. Sprinkle a thin layer of superfine sugar across each custard.
    Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under a broiler for just a few moments, watching closely so they don’t burn.
Step 9: Serve
  1. Let the sugar cool and harden for a moment, and your Pistachio Crème Brûlée is ready to serve. Crack that sugary top and enjoy.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the best emulsification. Cold eggs can be tougher to whisk and mix evenly.
  • Don’t Overheat the Cream: Keep a close watch on the cream. If it boils, it can change the texture of your custard. Aim for steaming, not bubbling.
  • Finishing Touch: For extra flavor, you might add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top before serving. It adds crunch and a pop of color.
  • Storing: If you’re making this dessert ahead of time, do not caramelize the sugar until just before serving. This ensures it remains fresh and crunchy.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix flavors. Combining different nut spreads with the cream can lead to exciting variations.