Crème Brûlée is a timeless classic that many adore for its creamy custard base and satisfyingly crunchy caramel top. However, if you’re following a keto lifestyle, the traditional recipe’s sugar content may not fit your dietary plans. Enter Keto Crème Brûlée – a delightful, low-carb version of this beloved dessert that delivers all the flavor without the sugar. This easy Keto Crème Brûlée is the perfect solution for those craving something sweet yet compliant with keto guidelines. By swapping sugar with erythritol, you’ll enjoy a sugar-free treat that’s just as rich and indulgent as the original.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Crème Brûlée
- Simple to Make: No culinary degree required! This easy Keto Crème Brûlée recipe is perfect for beginners.
- Low-Carb Treat: Satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking ketosis.
- Quick Preparation: Only 15 minutes of active prep time.
- Indulgent Flavor: Lusciously creamy, yet free from sugar.
- Make Ahead Dessert: Chill it for painless preparation for any occasion.
Ingredients for Keto Crème Brûlée
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Additional erythritol for caramelizing
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. To maintain keto compliance, erythritol is used; however, you can explore other sugar alcohols like xylitol if preferred.
How to Make Keto Crème Brûlée – Step by Step
Preparing the Cream Mixture
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan, combine cream and erythritol over medium heat, stirring until fully dissolved, ensuring the mixture is warm but not boiling.
Mixing the Custard Base
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale.
- Gradually incorporate the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent eggs from cooking.
Assembling the Dish
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve to remove any solids, ensuring a silky texture.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into four ramekins.
- Arrange ramekins in a baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Baking the Crème Brûlée
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, ensuring edges are set while centers still jiggle slightly.
- Cool ramekins to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours until they are fully chilled.
Keto Crème Brûlée: A Decadent Low-Carb Delight
Creating the Caramelized Top
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of erythritol over each custard.
- Caramelize the erythritol using a kitchen torch until it’s golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, broil briefly, taking care not to burn.
The total preparation time is 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 35 minutes. Including chilling, plan for 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Keto Crème Brûlée
- Can I make Keto Crème Brûlée ahead of time? Absolutely! Chill overnight, and add the caramel layer before serving.
- What is the secret to the best Keto Crème Brûlée? Ensuring the cream is warm, not hot, when mixing with yolks to prevent curdling.
Best Ways to Serve Keto Crème Brûlée
For an exquisite presentation, serve with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream. Pairing with a hot espresso accentuates the dessert’s rich flavor. For more delectable dessert ideas, explore our Keto Chocolate Mousse.
Nutritional Information for Keto Crème Brûlée
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Sugar: 0g (using erythritol)
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate ramekins for up to 3 days. Avoid frosting the caramel layer if planning for storage—it’s best done right before serving. For reheating, allow the ramekins to come to room temperature; however, the best experience is relished chilled.
FAQs for Keto Crème Brûlée
- Can I freeze Keto Crème Brûlée? It’s best enjoyed fresh. However, freezing is possible before caramelizing.
- What can I use instead of erythritol in Keto Crème Brûlée? Xylitol or monk fruit sweeteners can be viable alternatives.
- Is a kitchen torch necessary for caramelizing? A torch yields the best results, but broiling is an acceptable alternative.
- How to avoid scrambled eggs texture? Whisk continuously and pour cream slowly to temper the yolks.
Related Recipes for Keto Crème Brûlée
Keto Crème Brûlée
- Total Time: 170
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A delicious low-carb twist on the classic Crème Brûlée, perfect for those following a keto diet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Additional erythritol for caramelizing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and erythritol. Stir until erythritol is dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until combined and slightly pale.
- Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the yolk mixture, whisking continuously to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup to remove any solids.
- Divide the mixture evenly among four ramekins.
- 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 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.
- Remove ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled.
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of erythritol on top of each custard.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the erythritol until golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Allow the caramelized tops to harden for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the ramekins are heatproof for the water bath.
- Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, but consume within 2 days for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Keto, Crème Brûlée, Low-Carb, Sugar-Free, Dessert
