Pistachio Crème Brûlée

Name: Pistachio Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 180 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup pistachio paste (unsweetened); 1/4 cup granulated sugar

180 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Indulge in the rich and creamy Pistachio Crème Brûlée, a delightful twist on the classic French dessert.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

180 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Crème brûlée is a beloved French dessert known for its creamy custard base topped with a contrasting layer of crispy caramelized sugar. Adding pistachios to this classic recipe introduces a nutty aroma and a beautiful green hue, elevating the dessert to new gourmet heights. The pistachio flavour blends seamlessly with the rich vanilla custard, creating a sophisticated yet comforting dessert. Ideal for special occasions or an indulgent treat, Pistachio Crème Brûlée is sure to impress guests with its elegant presentation and delightful taste.

Instructions

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Heat cream

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam but not boil.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Mix egg yolks and sugar

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale and slightly thickened.

Combine mixtures

Slowly pour the heated cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Stir in the pistachio paste until well combined.

Pro tip: Pour slowly to avoid cooking the eggs.

Strain and pour

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Divide the mixture evenly among six ramekins.

Pro tip: Straining ensures a smooth custard.

Bake in water bath

Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the centres are slightly jiggly.

Pro tip: A water bath prevents the custard from curdling.

Cool and chill

Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Caramelize sugar

Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar evenly over the tops of the chilled custards. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown.

Pro tip: Move the torch in a circular motion for even caramelization.

Serve

Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pistachio Crème Brûlée immediately.

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Tips & Tricks

Use a kitchen torch for even caramelization of the sugar topping.
Allow the crème brûlée to chill for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
Use high-quality pistachios for a more intense flavour profile.
Strain the custard to ensure a silky smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crème de pistache?

Crème de pistache is a pistachio-flavoured cream or paste used in desserts like pistachio crème brûlée.

Can I make crème brûlée without a torch?

Yes, you can use your oven broiler to caramelize the sugar topping, but watch closely to prevent burning.

How do I store leftover crème brûlée?

Store leftover crème brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the sugar topping may soften.

Can I make crème brûlée ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the custard and chill it in advance. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving.

What should I serve with crème brûlée?

Crème brûlée pairs well with dessert wines or espresso. Fresh berries can also complement the flavours.

Serving Suggestions

Pistachio Crème Brûlée can be paired with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of espresso to round out the meal. To save time, prepare the custard a day in advance and caramelize the sugar just before serving. Store any leftover crème brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the sugar topping will lose its crispness after refrigeration, so it's best to consume it fresh.