Description
Berry Brûlée is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring a medley of fresh berries sweetened and caramelized under a crisp brûléed sugar topping. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and lemon, it can be served warm or chilled with a creamy dollop of crème fraîche or vanilla Greek yogurt for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Berries and Sweetening
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crème fraîche or vanilla Greek yogurt (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler on high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source to ensure proper caramelization.
- Prepare the Berry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the mixed fresh berries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly combined, taking care not to crush the berries.
- Divide into Ramekins: Evenly distribute the berry mixture into 4 small ramekins or shallow heatproof dishes, ensuring equal portions.
- Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each ramekin’s berry mixture, forming a thin, level layer for an even brûlée crust.
- Broil to Caramelize: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and broil them for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch closely as the sugar melts and caramelizes into a golden, crisp brûlée topping.
- Cool Slightly: Carefully remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to allow the sugar topping to harden properly.
- Serve: Serve the berry brûlées warm or chilled, optionally topped with a dollop of crème fraîche or vanilla Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Notes
- For an extra decadent twist, add a spoonful of custard or mascarpone on top of the berries before sprinkling the sugar and broiling.
- If you prefer, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping instead of broiling for more control and precision.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: French-American
