Lemon-Infused Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky custard with bright lemon zest and a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers heavy cream, vanilla bean, lemon 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 380 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.

★ 3.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 French cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan with split vanilla bean until simmering (do not boil). Remove vanilla bean, scrape seeds into cream, and stir in lemon zest.
  2. Step 2: Whisk egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl until pale. Slowly pour hot cream into yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
  3. Step 3: Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Divide into ramekins and place in a baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Pour hot water into the baking dish until halfway up ramekin sides. Bake at 325°F for 35 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in center.
  5. Step 5: Chill uncovered for 4 hours. Before serving, sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar evenly over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden brown and crisp.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Infused Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Lemon-Infused Vanilla Bean 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 Lemon-Infused Vanilla Bean 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 Lemon-Infused Vanilla Bean 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 Lemon-Infused Vanilla Bean 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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