This espresso caramel crème brûlée is smooth, decadent, and dangerously addictive. It’s what happens when bold coffee, velvety caramel, and creamy custard join forces. The silky-smooth texture pairs perfectly with the crisp, caramelized sugar topping that shatters like your willpower around dessert. The espresso cuts through the sweetness, giving it just the right balance of bitter and rich. Fancy enough for dinner parties, easy enough for a Tuesday night indulgence. Grab a spoon, crack that golden crust, and try not to eat all the servings yourself. Or do. No judgment.

Espresso Caramel Creme Brulee

moka coffee pot

A creamy, espresso-infused caramel custard topped with a crunchy, torched sugar layer for the ultimate fancy-but-easy dessert.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings 4 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

For the Custard:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp caramel sauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large egg yolks
¼ cup brewed espresso cooled

For the Sugar Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Making the Custard

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place ramekins in a deep baking dish.
Heat cream, milk, sugar, and caramel in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Whisk egg yolks in a bowl, then slowly add warm cream mixture while whisking to prevent scrambled eggs.
Stir in vanilla and espresso until combined.
Strain the mixture to remove any lumps.
Pour custard into ramekins.
Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the ramekins.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly.
Remove from oven, let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Making the Sugar Topping

Sprinkle sugar evenly over each custard.
Torch the sugar until golden brown and caramelized (or use the broiler method, if you like danger).
Let the sugar harden for a minute before serving.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

Calories: ~280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

Calcium: 6%
Iron: 2%
Vitamin A: 8%
Phosphorus: 5%
Potassium: 3%

Additional Notes/Tips

Use strong espresso for a deep, bold flavor.
Don’t skip straining—it makes the custard ultra-smooth.
Torch the sugar right before serving for the perfect crisp layer.
Chill longer for a firmer texture, or eat it slightly warm for extra creaminess.

This espresso caramel crème brûlée is rich, smooth, and just the right amount of fancy. Whether you share it or not, I fully support your decision.

Espresso Caramel Creme Brulee