Easy Eggnog Ice Cream Creme Brulee with Caramelized Sugar
A clever shortcut dessert that transforms melted eggnog ice cream into silky custard with a crisp caramelized sugar top. The rich spiced flavors of traditional eggnog shine through in this creamy treat that's perfect for holiday entertaining. Using store-bought ice cream eliminates the need for tempering cream and eggs, making this an accessible version of the classic French dessert that delivers all the elegance with half the effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and place 4 small ramekins into a casserole dish
- 2
Melt eggnog ice cream in microwave for 40 seconds to 1 minute until smooth, stirring well
- 3
Whisk egg yolks into melted ice cream until combined, then add vanilla extract
- 4
Pour mixture into ramekins and add water to casserole dish until it reaches halfway up ramekin sides
- 5
Bake for 35-40 minutes until tops begin to bubble
- 6
Cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour
- 7
Sprinkle sugar on each custard and torch until golden brown
- 8
Let sit for 5 minutes to harden before serving
Tips
Don't let the ice cream boil when melting - stop at smooth liquid consistency to avoid curdling
Use a kitchen torch in circular motions for even caramelization, keeping it moving to prevent burning
Test doneness by gently shaking ramekins - centers should be just set with slight jiggle
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days covered, add sugar topping just before serving
make custards day before, torch sugar coating when ready to serve
serve immediately after torching while sugar is crisp
Common Mistakes
don't overheat ice cream to avoid curdling when eggs are added
ensure water bath doesn't splash into ramekins during baking
wait full cooling time before torching to prevent melting
Substitutions
use high-quality ice cream
FAQ
Can I make this without a kitchen torch?
Yes, place ramekins under broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The torch gives more control but broiler works.
What if my ice cream curdles when adding eggs?
Strain the mixture through fine mesh sieve to remove lumps, or start over with cooler melted ice cream and temper eggs slowly.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
The custards keep 3 days covered. Add the sugar topping and torch just before serving for best texture and appearance.