Definition & Meaning of "creme brulee"

What is "crème brûlée"?

Crème brûlée is a decadent dessert that is typically made with a rich custard base of cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. The mixture is baked in individual ramekins until set, then chilled until ready to serve. Just before serving, a thin layer of granulated sugar is sprinkled over the top of each custard and caramelized with a kitchen torch or under a broiler, creating a crispy layer of burnt sugar. The resulting dessert is a perfect balance of creamy, silky custard and crunchy, caramelized sugar. Crème brûlée is often served in high-end restaurants and is considered a classic French dessert. It can be flavored with different extracts or liqueurs to create variations, such as chocolate or coffee crème brûlée.