Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hard caramel: It is a classic French dessert where a custard made from cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla is baked and then chilled. Just before serving, a layer of sugar is sprinkled on top and caramelized with a torch or broiler to create a crisp, brittle topping.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • For dessert, the restaurant serves a perfect creme brulee with a vanilla bean custard.
  • The key to a great creme brulee is achieving the contrast between the smooth, cold custard and the warm, crackling caramel top.

Advanced Usage

• "To torch a creme brulee": Refers to the specific action of using a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar topping.
  • The chef will torch the creme brulee to order for the best texture.

Variants and Related Words

• Creme caramel / Flan (n): A related baked custard dessert with a soft caramel sauce, as opposed to a hard, caramelized sugar crust.
• Pot de creme (n): A French custard dessert, typically chocolate, that is baked in a small pot and served without a caramelized sugar topping.

Synonyms

• Burnt cream: An older English name for the same dessert.
• Trinity cream: A historical name used at Cambridge University.

Related Phrases

• "Crack the creme brulee": A phrase describing the action of breaking the hard caramelized sugar topping with a spoon before eating.
  • The best part is when you get to crack the creme brulee.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. custard sprinkled with sugar and broiled