Foolproof Slow Cooker Crème Brûlée Vanilla Custard Recipes

STEF'S SLOW COOKER CREME BRULEE

Steps:

• Whisk yolks with 1/4 cup sugar and salt in a bowl until smooth; gently whisk in cream and vanilla extract. Strain custard mixture into a liquid measuring cup.
• Line bottom of a 6-quart oval slow cooker with a folded kitchen towel to create a level surface so ramekins won't slide around. Set four 4-ounce ramekins on the towel. Fill slow cooker with enough water to come halfway up sides of ramekins.
• Pour custard evenly into ramekins. Drape paper towels over top of slow cooker liner to absorb any condensation during baking; cover with lid to secure.
• Cook on Low until custard is set but jiggles slightly, about 2 hours.
• Transfer ramekins to a rack to cool completely, about 45 minutes. Refrigerate custards, uncovered, until cold, at least 3 hours.
• Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each ramekin and shake gently to distribute evenly. Heat the sugar using a culinary torch until melted and browned, about 1 minute.

FOOLPROOF SLOW COOKER CRèME BRûLéE (VANILLA CUSTARD)

Steps:

• Decide how many 4-ounce ramekins will fit in your slow cooker (in my 6 quart model, I could fit four). Line the slow cooker with a kitchen towel, thick potholders, or create individual foil rings for each ramekin you'll be using. The idea is to keep the ramekins from directly touching the bottom of the crockpot.
• Place the empty ramekins in the crockpot and measure enough water for it to be halfway up the sides of the ramekins. In a 6-qt slow cooker, I used about 1 quart of water for the water bath. Remove the ramekins and set aside.
• Combine the cream and milk in a medium mixing bowl, preferably one with a spout. Add the vanilla bean seeds and whisk well. Add the egg yolks and sugar, whisking well.
• Pour the custard base into the ramekins about ¾ full. Carefully transfer the filled ramekins to the slow cooker. Drape two paper towels on the rim of the slow cooker to keep condensation from building.
• Cook the custards on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle in the middle.
• Remove from the slow cooker and allow to cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 3 hours. If holding longer, cover them with plastic wrap to avoid condensation on the custard's surface.
• When ready to serve, sprinkle about one teaspoon of sugar on the custard's surface and gently spread to cover. Using a chef's torch, toast the sugar until it's brown and bubbling (it will harden as it cools. Serve and enjoy!
• Crème Brûlée can be baked and chilled up to 2 days ahead. Try to make the burnt sugar topping just before serving, if possible.