Harness the bold flavors of the Wild West with a decadent twist in this delightful Cowboy Coffee Creme Brulee recipe. Rich and velvety custard infused with the robust essence of coffee creates a dessert that is both sophisticated and comforting. The crunchy caramelized sugar topping adds a perfect contrast to the smooth texture beneath, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/4 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place a kettle of water on the stove to boil for the water bath.
2. **Infuse the Cream**: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and coarsely ground coffee beans. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to bubble around the edges. Remove from heat and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the coffee to infuse into the cream.
3. **Prepare the Custard Mixture**: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg yolks until well combined.
4. **Strain the Cream**: Strain the coffee-infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the coffee grounds.
5. **Combine Cream and Egg Mixture**: Gradually pour the strained cream into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
6. **Fill Ramekins**: Divide the custard mixture among four ramekins placed in a baking dish. Fill the dish with the ramekins with hot water from the kettle, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins, creating a water bath.
7. **Bake**: Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
8. **Chill**: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
9. **Caramelize the Sugar**: Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of light brown sugar over the chilled custards. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar is melted and caramelized.
10. **Serve and Enjoy**: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden slightly before serving to preserve the contrast in textures. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans for an extra touch of elegance.
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Cowboy Coffee Creme Brulee, where the essence of coffee meets the classic charm of a creme brulee. Impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a cozy dessert that marries sophistication with warmth.
