Silky-Smooth Creme Brulee Cake Recipe: A Sweet Celebration

Whisking magic happens when classic French creme brulee meets decadent cake artistry.

Layers of silky custard dance between delicate sponge tiers, promising pure indulgence.

Rich vanilla beans infuse each crumb with depth and sophistication.

Sweet caramelized sugar creates a crackling golden crown atop this elegant dessert.

Delicate yet bold, the recipe bridges traditional French technique with modern baking creativity.

Pastry enthusiasts will adore the intricate balance of textures and flavors.

Grab your torching tools and prepare for a sublime culinary adventure that celebrates pure dessert elegance.

Why Creme Brulee Cake Feels Fancy But Easy

• Craft Quick Dessert Magic: This creme brulee cake transforms a classic French dessert into an impressive layer cake, allowing home bakers to create restaurant-quality treats with minimal professional skills.
• Minimal Kitchen Gear Required: The recipe uses basic baking tools like cake pans, whisk, and optional kitchen torch, making it accessible for cooks with standard kitchen equipment.
• Customize Your Celebration Centerpiece: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, dinner parties, or weekend gatherings, this dessert delivers both visual drama and delicious flavor in one stunning presentation.
• Master Simple Technique Hack: By using a step-by-step approach with tempering eggs and caramelizing sugar, home bakers can learn fundamental pastry techniques while creating an impressive dessert that looks professionally crafted.

What You’ll Need For Creme Brulee Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor and aromatic depth.
• Whole Milk: Ensures cake remains moist and tender.

• Whole Milk: Creates smooth, creamy base for pastry cream.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken pastry cream.
• Cornstarch: Helps pastry cream set and achieve proper consistency.
• Egg Yolks: Provides richness and helps thicken cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor to pastry cream.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches pastry cream and adds silky texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates crisp, golden caramelized top signature to creme brulee cake.

Steps To Make Creme Brulee Cake Just Right

Step 1: Bake the Delightful Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Prep two 8-inch cake pans by giving them a gentle butter massage and tucking them in with parchment paper.

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Drop in eggs one by one, giving each a loving mix. Splash in vanilla extract for that extra magic.

Gently fold in flour and milk, dancing between the two until just combined. Divide the batter between pans like sharing a delicious secret.

Slide the pans into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The toothpick test will tell you when they’re perfectly done – no wet batter allowed!

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for a complete chill-out session.

Step 2: Craft the Silky Pastry Cream

• Milk
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Crack open some egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly introduce the warm milk mixture to the yolks, whisking like you’re conducting a delicate symphony.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook and stir until the cream thickens into a dreamy consistency.

Pull from heat, stir in vanilla and butter. Let it cool down completely – patience is key!

Step 3: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on a fancy serving plate. Spread a generous layer of pastry cream like you’re painting a delicious canvas.

Crown it with the second cake layer. Drizzle the remaining pastry cream on top.

Step 4: Create the Crispy Sugar Topping

Sprinkle granulated sugar over the cake like you’re dusting it with sweet snow.

Grab a kitchen torch and transform that sugar into a golden, crispy wonderland. No torch? No problem! Slip it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes – just keep those eagle eyes watching to prevent burning.

Let the sugar harden into a glorious caramel shell before serving.

Helpful Tips For Creme Brulee Cake Success

• Prevent Cake Crumbling: Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling to ensure structural integrity and smooth frosting application.
• Master Pastry Cream Technique: Temper egg yolks slowly by gradually adding warm milk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and achieve silky-smooth texture.
• Torch Technique: Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches away from sugar surface, moving continuously to create even, golden-brown caramelization without burning.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter for a plant-based version of this decadent dessert.
• Storage Secret: Refrigerate cake immediately after caramelizing sugar to maintain crisp topping and prevent softening, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

How To Store Creme Brulee Cake Properly

• Protect your delightful creme brulee cake by storing it properly in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to prevent the caramelized sugar topping from absorbing moisture.
• Keep the cake chilled to preserve the pastry cream's smooth consistency and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• For best results, consume within 2-3 days of preparation, as the caramelized sugar topping may start to soften and lose its signature crisp texture over time.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature, which will enhance its flavors and textures.
• Avoid freezing this cake, as the delicate pastry cream and caramelized sugar topping may separate or become compromised during the freezing and thawing process.

Best Sips Or Bites With Creme Brulee Cake

• Pair with Port Wine: Rich, sweet port wine complements the creamy vanilla notes of the creme brulee cake, balancing its caramelized sugar topping with deep, complex flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Berries: Bright, tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the cake's richness, adding a refreshing contrast and visual appeal to the dessert.
• Match with Espresso: Strong, bold espresso provides a robust counterpoint to the cake's sweet, delicate texture, enhancing the overall dessert experience with its intense coffee notes.
• Accompany with Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast, amplifying the cake's creamy custard elements while adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Tasty Variations On Creme Brulee Cake

• Classic French Vanilla: Enhance the cake by adding a splash of French vanilla extract to the batter and garnishing with delicate vanilla bean specks for an authentic, rich flavor profile.
• Citrus Burst Edition: Incorporate fresh lemon or orange zest into the pastry cream and cake batter, creating a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy sweet base.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond or hazelnut pieces between cake layers and around the edges, adding a delightful textural crunch and nutty undertone.
• Chocolate Lover's Remix: Fold cocoa powder into half the cake batter, creating a marbled effect, and drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the caramelized sugar top for an indulgent chocolate experience.

FAQs For Creme Brulee Cake

• What makes this Creme Brulee Cake different from a traditional cake?

This cake combines the creamy, rich pastry cream of a classic creme brulee with a soft, tender cake base. The signature caramelized sugar topping gives it a delightful crunch and distinctive flavor that sets it apart from regular desserts.

• Do I need special equipment to make the caramelized sugar topping?

While a kitchen torch is ideal for creating the perfect golden crust, you can also use your oven’s broiler. Just place the cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the sugar caramelizes without burning.

• Can I prepare the pastry cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the pastry cream a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before assembling the cake to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

• Is this cake difficult to make for a home baker?

Not at all! While it might look impressive, the recipe is straightforward. The key is to follow each step carefully, especially when tempering the egg yolks and caramelizing the sugar. With a bit of patience, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert.

Creme Brulee Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy French creme brulee cake blends classic dessert elegance with luxurious layer cake perfection. Rich custard, caramelized sugar topping, and delicate sponge layers create a heavenly dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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cake ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1.75 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

custard ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

topping ingredients:

• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for brulee topping)

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Instructions

1. Craft a pristine cake foundation by preheating the oven to 350F. Meticulously prepare cake pans with parchment paper and a light grease coating.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium vessel, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt into a uniform mixture.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture with pronounced volume.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Gently fold flour mixture and milk into the batter, alternating between ingredients and concluding with flour. Mix until ingredients are harmoniously blended.
6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans, creating balanced layers for consistent baking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges pristine and clean.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
9. For pastry cream, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan, whisking until seamlessly dissolved.
10. Separate egg yolks in a distinct bowl, gradually introducing warm milk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
11. Return tempered egg mixture to saucepan, cooking over medium heat and stirring consistently until achieving a luxurious, thick consistency.
12. Remove from heat, fold in vanilla extract and butter, then set aside to cool completely.
13. Position first cake layer on serving plate, spreading pastry cream in an even, generous layer.
14. Carefully place second cake layer atop the cream, covering with remaining pastry cream.
15. Generously sprinkle granulated sugar across the cake’s surface for caramelization.
16. Utilize a kitchen torch to transform sugar into a golden, crisp caramel topping. Alternatively, carefully broil for 1-2 minutes, vigilantly preventing burning.
17. Allow caramelized sugar to harden before serving, creating a delicate, crackling surface.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother cake batter and better incorporation.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more even cake texture.
• Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot milk to prevent scrambling and ensure silky smooth pastry cream.
• Use a kitchen torch for precise caramelization, but the broiler method works well if you don’t have one.
• Allow cake layers to cool completely before assembling to prevent cream from melting and maintain structural integrity.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
• Make pastry cream ahead of time and refrigerate to save preparation time on the day of serving.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by using plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg