Description
A luxurious fusion dessert combining the creamy richness of classic crème brûlée with the aromatic, spiced flavors of traditional Thai tea for a beautifully unique treat.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
4 tablespoons loose Thai tea leaves or 4 Thai tea bags
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add Thai tea leaves or tea bags; steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve to remove tea leaves.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour warm Thai tea-infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour custard evenly into 4 to 6 ramekins.
- Place ramekins in a large baking dish; pour hot water around them halfway up the sides to create a water bath.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove ramekins from water bath; cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp.
- Let cool for a minute and serve.
Notes
For extra spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or star anise to the tea while steeping.
Substitute Thai tea with chai tea for a different flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version (less rich).
Top with toasted coconut flakes after caramelizing for added texture.
Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 3 days; best eaten cold.
Re-caramelize sugar topping with a torch if it softens after storage.
Use a broiler if no kitchen torch is available, watching carefully to avoid burning.
For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream (texture slightly different).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Water Bath, Torch Caramelizing
- Cuisine: Fusion (French-Thai)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (approx.)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
