Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème

Name: Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 5 large egg yolks; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème at home. The combination of rich vanilla flavor and silky texture is simply irresistible. Plus, these delicate custard cups are surprisingly easy to prepare. Using fresh vanilla beans elevates the flavor to new heights, making every spoonful a luxurious treat. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful dessert that feels gourmet and special.

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-01-07T12:16:11.450Z

Creating Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème has become one of my favorite kitchen activities. There's something enchanting about whisking the cream and egg mixture while the aroma of vanilla fills the air. I learned the importance of gently cooking the custard in a water bath, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture without scrambling the eggs.

One specific tip I picked up is to strain the mixture before pouring it into the pots, which eliminates any bits of cooked egg and gives the custard a silky smooth finish. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Intense vanilla flavor from real vanilla beans
Luxuriously creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect presentation for dinner parties or special occasions

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of vanilla bean is crucial for achieving that intense, aromatic flavor in your Pots de Crème. Fresh, high-quality beans not only enhance the flavor but also impart tiny flecks of black seeds that add visual appeal. When selecting your vanilla beans, look for those that are plump and fragrant. If time is of the essence, you can use pure vanilla extract as a substitute, but the flavor profile will be less robust than that of real beans.

Using heavy cream and whole milk is important in this recipe because they provide the rich texture that makes Pots de Crème so luxurious. If you're looking for a lighter version, you could experiment with a mixture of almond milk and coconut cream, but the final texture and flavor will differ significantly from the original recipe.

Baking Tips for Perfect Custards

The water bath is a critical technique to ensure even cooking and prevent the custards from cracking. Be sure to place the ramekins in the water bath before it goes into the oven. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature as the custard bakes. It's also important to keep an eye on the oven temperature; too hot can result in a rubbery texture, while too low might leave them undercooked. The custards are done when they jiggle slightly in the center but are set around the edges.

After baking, giving your custards time to cool at room temperature is essential. Placing them directly in the fridge can cause them to collapse in on themselves due to the rapid temperature change. Allow them to rest for about 30 minutes before chilling for at least two hours; this helps achieve that silky smooth texture.

Ingredients

This Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème recipe calls for a few simple ingredients:

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
5 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create perfect Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Prepare the Water Bath

Place a large baking dish in the oven and fill it with hot water about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This will create a gentle cooking environment for the custard.

Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean and its seeds, and salt. Heat over medium until steaming but not boiling, then remove from heat.

Whisk in Egg Yolks

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

Strain the Mixture

Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring jug to remove any bits. This will ensure a silky smooth texture.

Pour and Bake

Pour the custard evenly into four ramekins. Carefully place them in the water bath and bake for about 40 minutes or until just set.

Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

Enjoy each spoonful of this delightful custard!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve with whipped cream or fresh berries on top!

Make-Ahead and Storage

Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème can be made up to two days in advance, making them a great option for entertaining. After chilling, simply cover the ramekins with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting their delicate flavor. I recommend serving them within two days for the best texture and flavor.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. However, if you are thinking about freezing them, note that the texture may change upon thawing. Custards generally do not freeze well due to their creamy nature but if you absolutely need to save some, place them in an airtight container and consume them soon after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Vanilla Bean Pots de Crème, consider garnishing with whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also offer a lovely contrast, adding a touch of color and tartness that balances the richness of the custard.

For special occasions, you can serve the custards in elegant glassware or individual dessert cups to showcase their creamy texture. Pairing them with a light dessert wine or coffee can also provide a delightful tasting experience, as the warm flavors of the beverage complement the sweet vanilla essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?

Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for the vanilla bean, but the flavor won't be as intense.

→ How long will these custards last in the fridge?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make these pots de crème in advance?

Absolutely! They’re perfect for preparing ahead of time for a dinner party.

→ What should I do if my custard is not setting?

Make sure to check your oven temperature and baking time, as overcooking can lead to a grainy texture.