07 Jun 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup milk (1% fat)
2 tbsp orange zest
5 yolks
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup dark chocolate
Jaffa Crème Brulee is a delightful twist on the classic French dessert, combining the rich flavors of dark chocolate and the zesty brightness of oranges. Perfect for impressing your guests at a dinner party or indulging in a gourmet treat at home, this dessert adds a modern flavor profile to a traditional favorite. Follow the steps below to create a smooth, velvety custard with a perfect burnt sugar crust.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the light sour cream and milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange zest and chopped dark chocolate until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
4. Temper the Eggs:
- Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, a little at a time, while continuously whisking. This will prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling.
5. Strain the Mixture:
- Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl. This step will ensure a smooth texture for your crème brûlée.
6. Bake the Custards:
- Divide the custard mixture evenly among 4-6 ramekins, depending on their size.
- Place the filled ramekins into a large baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
7. Cool the Custards:
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
8. Caramelize the Tops:
- Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) over the top of each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crispy top. Alternatively, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Serve:
- Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute or two, then serve your Jaffa Crème Brûlée and enjoy the rich and creamy dessert with a delightful hint of orange and chocolate.
Tips:
- Prep your ingredients: Measure out and have all your ingredients ready before you start, to streamline the cooking process and ensure better control.
- Temper the yolks: When mixing the hot milk mixture with the egg yolks, add the hot liquid slowly to avoid curdling or scrambling the eggs.
- Use a water bath: Placing the ramekins in a water bath in the oven helps to cook the custard evenly and prevents the edges from overcooking.
- Torching the sugar: For the best caramelized sugar crust, use a culinary torch to melt and brown the sugar evenly. If you don’t have a torch, you can briefly place the ramekins under a broiler.
- Chill thoroughly: Allow the crème brulee to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for the best set and flavor.
There you have it – a delicious Jaffa Crème Brulee that's sure to impress with its silky custard and harmonious blend of chocolate and orange. By carefully following the steps and tips provided, you can achieve a remarkable dessert that's both elegant and indulgent. Enjoy your culinary creation!