10 twists on crème brûlée
Try the classic caramelised sugar-topped creamy baked custard dessert, then discover 10 unusual twists using seasonal ingredients or made into rice puddings and tarts
The origin of the crème brûlée is contested, with chefs in France, Spain and England all claiming to have created the first ever recipe. However the first printed version can be found in a 1691 cookbook from Francois Massialot, a cook at the Palace of Versailles.
The classic dessert consists of a creamy custard base topped with a hardened burnt sugar topping. Start with our ultimate crème brûlée recipe and then try our unusual twists using seasonal rhubarb, rice pudding variations and even sweet tarts. Can't get enough? Try more crème brûlée recipes, classic French desserts and even more French recipes.
1. Rhubarb & ginger crème brûlée
Make seasonal rhubarb sing in this twist on the classic combination of rhubarb and custard. It's a stylish dessert that really packs a flavour punch. Now try more ways with rhubarb.
2. White chocolate crème brûlée
With just five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, you can produce a dinner party-worthy result. Serious chocolate lovers can serve our five star-rated recipe alongside other mini chocolate desserts for an impressive finale to your meal. Now try more recipes with white chocolate.
3. Apricot crème brûlée tart
For an ambitious weekend project, you will more than reap the rewards with this creamy tart. Sweet dessert wine-soaked apricots give it a grown-up depth of flavour to delight your next dinner party guests.
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4. Burnt butterscotch rice pudding
Upgrade creamy rice pudding with a burnt sugar topping for true weekend indulgence. Serve hot straight from the dish - or cooled leftovers are just as delicious. Now try more comforting pudding recipes.
5. Blackberry crème brûlée
Juicy, in-season blackberries are the perfect contrast for creamy vanilla-pod infused custard, while golden caster sugar ensures the perfect, crackly crust. Now discover our favourite ways to serve blackberries.
6. Gooseberry crème brûlée tart
For a stunning seasonal dessert that breaks the mould, try this torched gooseberry tart. With shop-bought sweet shortcrust pastry, you can prep it in just 10 minutes. Learn how to cook with gooseberries and then try more gooseberry recipes.
7. Blueberry cheesecake brûlée pots
A happy marriage of blueberry cheesecake and crème brûlée, these individual puddings bring elegance and flair to your summer dinner party. Even better, you can make them up to a day in advance. Now try our make-ahead dinner party main course recipes.
8. Iced raspberry & basil brûlées
Use your freezer to set the caramel and give the classic dessert an icy twist. You can even make the custard part two weeks ahead and keep them in the freezer - just make sure to defrost your puds slightly in the fridge before serving. Now try our raspberry crème brûlées.
9. Strawberry rice brûlée
For an elevated take on the traditional rice pudding, this version is filled with Cointreau-doused strawberries and topped with brûlée's burnt sugar crust. It makes the most of pre-made rice pudding for an easy dessert you can put together in 20 minutes. Discover more strawberry desserts.
10. Crème brûlée tartlets
Transport the creamy custard filling and burnt sugar topping into a crisp shortcrust pastry shell with this decadent take on the classic. Although more of a challenge, you will be rewarded with mini dessert perfection to serve at your next dinner party. Now try our vanilla lemongrass crème brûlée for an Asian-inspired twist.
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Which twist takes your fancy? Let us know in the comments...
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