Almond and Orange Crème Brûlée

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy custard infused with almond and orange, topped with a caramelized sugar crust. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers Heavy cream, Almond extract, Orange zest into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 French cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and place a rack in the middle.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat 2 cups heavy cream, 1 tsp almond extract, and 1 tbsp orange zest over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges (5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 4 egg yolks, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl until pale and thick (2 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  5. Step 5: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
  6. Step 6: Divide the mixture into 4 ramekins and place in a baking dish.
  7. Step 7: Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the ramekins.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
  9. Step 9: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 hours.
  10. Step 10: Sprinkle 1 tsp sugar over each ramekin and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden brown.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Almond and Orange Crème Brûlée take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Almond and Orange Crème Brûlée?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Almond and Orange Crème Brûlée?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Almond and Orange Crème Brûlée for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Almond and Orange Crème Brûlée?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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