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Gingerbread Crème Brûlée

Gingerbread Crème Brûlée: Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Gingerbread Crème Brûlée combines traditional holiday flavors with a creamy custard, offering a sophisticated and easy-to-make dessert for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 6 jars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Custard Base
  • 6 large egg yolks These provide richness and structure to the custard.
  • 2 cups heavy cream Essential for creating a luxurious texture.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves Adds warmth and spice.
  • 2 sticks cinnamon Imparts a classic aromatic element.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger Contributes a zesty note.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Enhances the ginger flavor profile.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Offers nuttiness that complements the spices.
  • 1 pinch salt Essential to balance sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to the custard.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Used for sweetening the custard.
For the Caramelized Topping
  • 1 teaspoon extra granulated sugar For the crispy, golden-brûléed top.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Spatula
  • Baking dish
  • kitchen torch

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gingerbread Crème Brûlée
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, ground cloves, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium-low until small bubbles form, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, cover, and let steep for 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (175°C). Whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until smooth and pale. Strain the infused cream into a measuring cup to eliminate spices, ensuring a silky custard.
  3. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the strained cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking while adding to temper. Gently fold this mixture back into the remaining cream.
  4. Divide the custard among six 4-ounce mason jars. Place jars in a baking dish and pour hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 30–40 minutes until edges set and centers jiggle.
  5. Remove jars from the water bath and cool completely for 1 hour at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  6. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar to form a golden crust, then let it harden before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1jarCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1000IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Chill for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld. Use boiling water for the water bath to ensure even baking.

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