Spiced Apple Crème Brûlée Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Apple Crème Brûlée combines the warmth and depth of autumn spices with the creamy, rich texture of traditional crème brûlée. By hollowing out Fuji apples and filling them with a spiced custard, this dessert offers a stunning presentation and a unique twist on the classic. The caramelized sugar top adds a satisfying crunch, while the soft, spiced apple base offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, this dish is a delicious and elegant way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apples and spices.

Ingredients

For the Apple Crème Brûlée:

• 6-8 medium Fuji apples, washed, tops cut off, hollowed out, and innards reserved
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups heavy cream (460g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 5 egg yolks (95g)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67g) (plus more for topping)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Tiny pinch ground cloves

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Do Ahead:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the Apple Collars: Tear off sheets of foil, scrunch them into rods, and form them into rings that the hollowed-out apples will sit on. Place these foil collars on a large baking sheet with a lip, spaced about 3 inches apart.

Make the Custard:

1. Prepare the Apple Puree: Add the reserved apple innards to a blender or food processor, along with ¼ cup of water (add more as needed). Blend until completely smooth. Transfer the apple puree to a small saucepan, add lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the mixture reduces by half. Set aside to cool.
2. Simmer the Cream: In a clean medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla bean paste. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is simmering (185°F-205°F), then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture lightens in color and leaves a trail when the whisk is lifted.
4. Combine with Spices: Add ⅔ cup (160g) of the cooled apple puree, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the egg mixture and whisk to combine.
5. Temper the Eggs: Slowly drizzle the warmed cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Continue to whisk until all of the cream has been incorporated.

Assemble the Crème Brûlée:

1. Fill the Apples: Divide the custard mixture evenly among the hollowed-out apples. Be sure not to overfill them.
2. Set Up for Baking: Place the filled apples on the prepared foil collars on the baking sheet. Pour boiling or very hot water into the baking sheet, filling it up to the top of the foil collars, but not touching the apples.

Bake:

1. Bake the Crème Brûlée: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the centers are barely set and jiggly. The apples will insulate the custard, so it will bake slower than crème brûlée made in ramekins. If you’re making this in ramekins, bake for about 30 minutes. Once baked, let the apples cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (up to a couple of days).

Brûlée:

1. Caramelize the Sugar: When ready to serve, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated or caster sugar over the top of the custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until melted and lightly golden.
2. Repeat the Process: Sprinkle another thin layer of sugar on top and torch again until the sugar is evenly caramelized and creates a crisp, crackable layer. Repeat this step for 2-3 layers to achieve the perfect golden, crunchy top.

Serve:

1. Serve the Spiced Apple Crème Brûlée immediately after torching. The warm caramelized top and cool, creamy custard will create a beautiful contrast in every bite.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings (depending on the size of apples used)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Different Apples: You can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan cream substitute, and use egg replacers (like a tofu-based custard or a cornstarch mixture) for a plant-based option.
• Caramelized Apples: If you prefer, you can caramelize some apple slices and serve them on top of the crème brûlée for an extra apple layer.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the crème brûlée in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served fresh after torching the sugar.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers (without the caramelized sugar), you can gently reheat the custard in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until warmed through, and then caramelize the sugar again before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without a kitchen torch?

Yes, if you don’t have a torch, you can use the broiler in your oven. Just place the apples under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn.

2. Can I use store-bought apple puree instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought apple puree if you’re short on time, but homemade puree will add a fresher, more intense flavor.

3. Can I prepare this dessert the day before?

Yes, you can make the crème brûlée ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just torch the sugar and serve it right before eating.

4. How do I know when the custard is perfectly set?

The custard should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, so it’s important not to overbake.

5. Can I make this in ramekins instead of apples?

Yes, you can make this recipe in individual ramekins. The baking time will be shorter, about 30 minutes.

6. What should I do if the custard is too runny?

If the custard is too runny, it may need to be baked a bit longer. Make sure to check the doneness by gently shaking the apples—if the center jiggles slightly, it’s done.

7. Can I freeze the crème brûlée?

Yes, you can freeze the un-torched custard for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw completely before torching the sugar and serving.

8. Can I add spices other than cinnamon and ginger?

Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like allspice, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile.

9. How can I make the caramelized sugar layer extra smooth?

For a smooth, crackly top, make sure to apply the sugar in thin, even layers and torch it slowly to melt the sugar without burning it.

10. Can I make this dessert without the apple hollowing?

If you’d rather not hollow the apples, you can make a regular crème brûlée in ramekins and serve it with sautéed apples or a drizzle of apple syrup for flavor.

Conclusion

This Spiced Apple Crème Brûlée is a decadent dessert that perfectly combines the flavors of fall. With its creamy custard, rich spices, and caramelized sugar top, it’s sure to impress your guests at any gathering. It’s a fun, elegant twist on the classic crème brûlée and offers a delicious way to enjoy apples in a dessert. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging yourself, this dessert will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!

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