Bloody Crme Brle

Are you ready to elevate your dessert game to spine-chilling heights? Introducing the Bloody Crme Brle, a hauntingly delightful twist on the classic French dessert that will be the star of your Halloween festivities or any spooky gathering. With its luscious custard base infused with the rich flavor of vanilla and a dramatic blood-red appearance, this dessert will impress your guests and leave them craving more. The creamy texture paired with a crunchy, caramelized top will have everyone swooning as they dig into this decadent treat.

Reasons to Love Bloody Crme Brle

• Elegant yet Easy: This dessert looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: You can adjust the intensity of the red color to suit your theme, whether you want a subtle blush or a vibrant crimson.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, vanilla, and egg yolks creates a rich, velvety custard that is simply irresistible.
• Interactive Experience: Guests will love cracking through the caramelized turbinado sugar top to reveal the creamy custard beneath.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Bloody Crme Brle is an excellent choice for Halloween parties, themed dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress.

Your Shopping Guide

• 4 cups heavy cream: Look for high-quality cream for the best taste and texture.
• 1 vanilla bean: This will infuse your custard with a rich vanilla flavor. Alternatively, you can use pure vanilla extract.
• 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar for the custard and turbinado sugar for the topping.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the dessert.
• 7 large egg yolks: Fresh and organic yolks will give your custard the perfect richness.
• Red food coloring gel: No-taste red and burgundy gels work best for achieving that bloody effect.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for beating the egg yolks and mixing the custard.
• Saucepan: For heating the cream and infusing the vanilla.
• Ramekins: Individual servings for the custard.
• Kitchen torch: For caramelizing the turbinado sugar topping.
• Fine mesh strainer: To ensure a smooth custard by removing any lumps.

Bloody Crme Brle — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the 4 cups of heavy cream, the slit vanilla bean, and the scraped seeds. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes to allow the vanilla flavor to infuse.

Step 2: Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 7 egg yolks, 1 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from scrambling. Once combined, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla bean and any lumps.

Step 4: Add Color

Add your desired amount of red food coloring gel to the custard mixture. Start with a small amount, mixing well, and adjust until you achieve your desired “bloody” hue.

Step 5: Bake the Custards

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill each ramekin with the custard mixture. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once they have cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Step 7: Caramelize the Sugar

Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of turbinado sugar over the top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it is golden brown and crispy. Allow the sugar to cool for a minute before serving.

How to Make It Lighter

• Substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce the fat content while still maintaining creaminess.
• Use a sugar substitute if you want to reduce the sugar content, but be sure to choose one that can caramelize well.
• Consider using fewer egg yolks, though this may alter the richness of the custard.
• Incorporate a hint of almond or coconut extract for added flavor without the heavy calories.

Chef’s Notes

For a more intense flavor, let the cream steep with the vanilla bean for a longer time, and don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of red food coloring depending on your preference. Remember that the color may look darker when baked, so aim for a slightly brighter hue. Be patient while caramelizing the sugar; too much heat can burn it quickly. Always let the custard cool completely before torching the sugar to avoid melting the custard.

Save It for Later

Bloody Crme Brle can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for entertaining. Just be sure to add the sugar topping right before serving to maintain that delightful crunch. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly and store them in the fridge for up to three days. However, the sugar topping will lose its crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Your Top Questions

Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

Yes, you can! Use about 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean. Add it to the cream after heating it.

How can I make this dessert in advance?

You can prepare the custard a day ahead. Just remember to refrigerate it and add the sugar topping before serving.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the sugar can burn quickly.

Can I make a larger batch for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just adjust the baking time as needed and ensure the custard sets properly.

Make It Tonight

Indulge your senses and impress your guests with this stunning Bloody Crme Brle. With its silky custard and that satisfying, crackling sugar top, it’s a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the deliciousness of Bloody Crme Brle tonight!