Name: Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 9-inch tart shell (pre-baked); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 5 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; Pinch of salt

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The Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart is truly a showstopper for anyone who loves a silky-smooth custard tucked into a crisp, buttery shell and finished with that iconic glassy caramelized sugar crust. This incredible dessert takes everything beloved about classic crème brûlée and elevates it with the elegance—and handheld convenience—of a tart. Each bite offers that glorious crackly top, lush vanilla custard beneath, and the richness of a perfect pastry. If you want to impress friends or treat yourself to a flavorful French experience, this tart delivers in every way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart plays a starring role, working together to create the ultimate contrast of textures and flavors. From the creamy base to the crunchy crown of burnt sugar, you’ll see how each element truly matters.

Pre-baked 9-inch tart shell: A crisp, buttery tart shell provides structure and a delightful contrast to the creamy custard.
2 cups heavy cream: Delivers luxurious richness and that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract): Essential for infusing the custard with deep, aromatic vanilla flavor—use a whole bean for the best result, but extract works too.
5 large egg yolks: These yolks are the secret to a gorgeously silky, custardy filling.
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for topping: Sweetens and helps firm the custard, while extra sugar caramelizes into that irresistible crackly layer.
Pinch of salt: Just a hint, but it makes the vanilla pop and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart

Step 1: Infuse the Cream with Vanilla

Begin by gently heating the heavy cream with the split vanilla bean and its seeds (or vanilla extract) in a saucepan over medium heat. Bringing it just to a simmer—never a boil—extracts every nuance of vanilla and builds the foundation of flavor for your Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart. Once it’s steaming, take it off the heat and let those flavors steep for about 10 minutes, like waiting for a rich French melody to reach the perfect note.

Step 2: Whisk the Yolks and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and starts to thicken. This step helps dissolve the sugar and introduces air, making a satiny custard for your tart. It’s a little arm workout, but the payoff is a beautifully smooth filling.

Step 3: Combine and Strain

Now, take your steeped cream—removing the vanilla pod if you used whole beans—and slowly pour it into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. This gentle combining ensures a flawless custard. For extra finesse, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher; this removes any odd bits or lumps, ensuring the Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart’s filling comes out cloud-like and dreamy.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Tart

Place your pre-baked tart shell on a sturdy baking sheet, then carefully pour the silky custard mixture inside. Pop the whole setup into a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye out—the edges should be set but the center should still wobble slightly when nudged. That’s perfection! Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours, letting the magic happen as it chills.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Here’s when the Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart gets its star treatment. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in an even layer on the chilled tart. Using a kitchen torch, gently fire the sugar until it melts, bubbles, and then becomes a golden, crackly crust. Wait a moment or two for the caramelized topping to harden, so you get that unmistakable brûlée snap with every slice. If you don’t have a torch, a quick pass under a hot broiler does the trick—just pay close attention.

How to Serve Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart

Garnishes

Presentation is everything when serving your Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart. Consider a few elegant garnishes: a sprinkle of fresh berries, a twist of candied orange peel, or a couple of edible flowers can highlight the dessert’s delicate flavors without overwhelming that essential crackly caramel top. Even a dusting of powdered sugar around the plate brings a little extra sparkle.

Side Dishes

For a classic French finish, serve with strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine. Fresh fruit salad or lightly whipped cream on the side offers a refreshing counterpoint to the tart’s richness. If you’re feeling a bit decadent, pair with a scoop of tart raspberry sorbet—its acidity complements the custard perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not think outside the tart pan? Bake the custard in individual tartlets for perfect little dinner party treats, or use mini tart shells for bite-sized nibbles. For the full French café experience, serve slices with slender spoons and tiny cups of dark chocolate or liqueur. You can even drizzle a little fruit coulis on the plate for a gorgeous presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store slices in an airtight container to prevent the custard from absorbing fridge odors, and keep them separated with parchment paper if stacking more than one layer.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze your tart, do so before adding the caramelized sugar topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then torch the sugar topping just before serving for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the custard slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can ruin the texture and that iconic caramel top.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Absolutely! While a homemade tart shell shines with fresh, buttery flavor, a good-quality store-bought crust is a wonderful time-saver and works beautifully for the Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

No worries! Simply use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar topping. Place the tart under a very hot broiler and watch closely, rotating as needed for even browning. Just take care not to burn it, as sugar can go from golden to bitter quickly.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free tart shell for the regular crust. The custard itself is naturally gluten-free, so just ensure your shell meets your dietary needs.

Do I need to chill the tart before adding the sugar topping?

Chilling is essential. The custard needs to be cold to help create that signature shattering crack when you brûlée the sugar. If the custard is even slightly warm, the topping may melt rather than crisp up.

Can I add flavors like espresso or citrus?

Definitely! Add a splash of orange liqueur, a touch of citrus zest, or a little bit of espresso to the custard mixture for an inventive twist on the Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart. Just remember that subtlety is best—let the vanilla and cream shine through.

Final Thoughts

If you crave an unforgettable dessert experience, the Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart is a masterpiece that’s both comforting and elegant. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, anyone can enjoy this stunning French classic at home—so gather your tools and treat yourself to a little Parisian magic today!

Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of an Authentic French Crème Brûlée Tart, where a rich custard filling meets a caramelized sugar topping in a perfectly baked tart shell. This dessert is a true classic that will impress your guests with its sophisticated flavors and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Tart Shell:

1 9-inch tart shell (pre-baked)

Custard Filling:

2 cups heavy cream
1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and vanilla. Simmer, then let steep.
Whisk the egg yolks: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until thickened.
Combine mixtures: Slowly pour cream into yolks, whisking constantly.
Strain and pour: Strain mixture, pour into pre-baked tart shell.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
Chill and caramelize: Cool, refrigerate, then caramelize sugar before serving.