Greek Yogurt Crème Brûlée with Sugar-Free Caramelized Top
This elegant dessert transforms tangy Greek yogurt into a silky custard with all the sophistication of classic crème brûlée. The protein-rich yogurt creates an incredibly smooth texture while Swerve sweetener provides sweetness without the sugar crash. Each serving is baked in a water bath until just set, then chilled and topped with caramelized sweetener for that signature crackly top. Perfect for dinner parties or when you want to impress guests with a lighter take on the French classic that still delivers on richness and presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325F and place 4 ramekins in a large baking dish
- 2
Blend yogurt, Swerve, egg yolks, vanilla and cinnamon in a blender or food processor until smooth
- 3
Divide mixture evenly among ramekins in baking dish
- 4
Fill baking dish with hot water to within 1 inch of top of ramekins
- 5
Bake for 25 minutes until custards are jiggly and not puffed up
- 6
Remove and let cool in pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour
- 7
Sprinkle 1 tbsp Swerve over each custard just prior to serving
- 8
Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize Swerve
- 9
Serve immediately
Tips
The custards should still jiggle slightly when done - they'll continue setting as they cool and create the perfect creamy texture.
Make sure your kitchen torch moves constantly over the sweetener to create an even caramelized layer without burning.
Chill the custards for at least an hour but they can be made up to 2 days ahead before torching the tops.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days before adding caramelized topping
Make custards up to 2 days ahead, torch tops just before serving
Serve immediately after torching while sugar top is still crackling
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or custards will curdle - they should still jiggle when done
Keep torch moving to avoid burning the sweetener in spots
Don't torch too far ahead or the caramelized top will soften
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without a kitchen torch?
Yes, you can place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes watching carefully, though a torch gives better control and more even caramelization.
What if I don't have Swerve sweetener?
You can substitute any granulated sweetener like sugar, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener using the same measurements.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
The custards will keep covered for up to 3 days, but torch the tops just before serving for the best texture and appearance.