If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle but still crave something rich and decadent, this Keto Creme Brulee recipe is a must-try. It’s a sugar-free twist on a classic French dessert that delivers all the creamy, velvety texture without the carb overload.
With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a luxurious treat that fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or just a quiet evening at home, this low-carb dessert is sure to impress. And the best part? It looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make, even for a beginner.
Creme brulee is known for its silky-smooth custard base topped with a thin, crisp layer of caramelized sugar — and this keto version is no different.
The sugar topping is replaced with a keto-friendly sweetener, making this a great choice for those watching their sugar intake.
You can pair it with fresh berries, a cup of keto coffee, or even a light keto-friendly cookie for an elegant dessert experience. It’s also a smart dessert to serve guests who might not even realize it’s sugar-free.
What is Keto Creme Brulee?
Creme brulee, which translates to “burnt cream” in French, dates back to the 17th century and has long been a staple in European cuisine.
Traditionally made with heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla, it is baked in a water bath and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. The top is often torched or broiled to get that crisp layer you break into with a spoon.
In this keto version, the recipe remains true to its roots in texture and flavor, but swaps out sugar for a keto-approved sweetener, which still allows for a golden, crisp topping.
Keto creme brulee brings the indulgence of a classic French dessert into the world of low-carb living, without sacrificing flavor or elegance. It’s an ideal treat for those wanting a keto dessert recipe that feels a little extra special.
Keto Creme Brulee Ingredients
You won’t need anything fancy to make this low-carb dessert. Just a few simple ingredients work together to create something that tastes luxurious and creamy.
Heavy Cream – This is the base of the custard and provides that creamy texture we all love. It’s high in fat and perfect for keto recipes.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor. Pure vanilla extract works best for a more authentic taste.
Sweetener – A keto-friendly granulated sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit blend is used in both the custard and the caramelized topping.
Egg Yolks – These thicken the custard and give it that rich yellow hue. They’re key to creating the smooth, velvety texture of the dessert.
How to Make Low-Carb Creme Brulee
Making this keto creme brulee may sound intimidating, but it’s a step-by-step process that anyone can follow. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). This allows the custard to cook gently and evenly.
- Prepare the custard base. In a bowl, combine the egg yolks, half of the sweetener, and vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s fully blended and the mixture becomes a pale yellow.
- Heat the cream. Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it over medium until it just starts to bubble around the edges. You don’t want it to fully boil—just hot enough to temper the eggs.
- Temper the eggs. Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and helps everything combine smoothly.
- Pour into ramekins. Divide the custard mixture into two ramekins.
- Prepare the water bath. Place the ramekins into a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This helps bake the custard gently and evenly.
- Bake. Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Caramelize the topping. Right before serving, sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of the remaining sweetener over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sweetener until it forms a crispy, golden layer. Alternatively, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve the same effect.
- Serve and enjoy. The top should crack when tapped with a spoon, revealing the creamy custard underneath.
Tips for Making this Sugar-Free Dessert
- Use a granulated sweetener that caramelizes well, like erythritol or monk fruit blend.
- Don’t boil the cream — just heat it until it’s steaming and starting to bubble.
- Always temper your eggs slowly to avoid scrambling.
- Bake in a water bath to prevent the custard from curdling or cracking.
- If using a broiler instead of a torch, keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Let the custard cool completely before adding the sweetener topping.
- Chill for at least 4 hours to get that perfect firm texture.
- Use shallow ramekins for quicker and more even baking.
- Crack the top just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Don’t skip the vanilla extract — it really adds depth to the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make keto creme brulee without a torch?
Yes, absolutely. While a kitchen torch gives you better control and results, you can still use your oven’s broiler. Place the ramekins on the top rack and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Rotate the ramekins if needed for even browning.
What’s the best sweetener for the topping?
Erythritol or a monk fruit blend with erythritol tends to caramelize the best in keto desserts. Avoid using powdered sweeteners for the topping, as they don’t caramelize the same way. Stick to granulated for the crispy sugar-free crust.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custards a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add and caramelize the sweetener until right before serving. This keeps the top crispy and the custard fresh.
Have you tried keto creme brulee? Then make sure to rate and review this recipe. It’s a wonderful treat that shows just how satisfying a low-carb lifestyle can be — creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving guests, it’s bound to be a hit every single time.
This sugar-free dessert is proof that you don’t have to give up elegance or flavor when following a keto diet. I love keeping a couple of ramekins in the fridge for when I want something sweet but still want to stick to my goals.
However you serve it, keto creme brulee is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can turn into something truly special.
Keto Creme Brulee
If you're looking for an easy, elegant keto dessert that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough to make at home, keto creme brulee is a perfect choice. This low-carb recipe uses just a few basic ingredients to create a rich, silky custard with a crisp caramelized top.
It’s a great introduction to sugar-free desserts and a fun way to try something new in the kitchen. Even if you’ve never made crème brûlée before, this step-by-step method is beginner-friendly and gives you everything you need to get that perfect creamy texture and crackly golden top.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sweetener, divided
- 3 egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) so it's ready when your custard is prepared.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the egg yolks, half of the sweetener, and the vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color. This means the ingredients are fully combined.
- In a small saucepan, pour in the heavy cream. Heat it over medium heat until you see small bubbles forming around the edges, and it just starts to rise. Don’t let it boil.
- Remove the heavy cream from the heat. While continuously whisking the egg mixture, slowly pour the hot cream in a thin stream into the bowl. This is called tempering the eggs and helps keep them from scrambling.
- Once fully combined, set two ramekins inside a baking dish that has high sides. Gently pour the custard mixture into the ramekins.
- Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins until the water reaches about halfway up their sides. This creates a water bath that helps the custard bake evenly without cracking.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. The custards should look set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Take the ramekins out of the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining sweetener evenly over the tops of the custards.
- Use a kitchen torch to gently melt and caramelize the sweetener until it turns golden and forms a crisp top. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under your oven’s broiler on high for a few minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Let the tops cool for 1–2 minutes to allow the crust to harden, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a granulated keto sweetener like erythritol or a monk fruit blend that caramelizes well. Powdered sweeteners won’t create that classic crisp topping.
- When heating the heavy cream, don’t let it come to a full boil—just a gentle simmer with bubbles around the edges is enough.
- Temper the eggs slowly by pouring the hot cream in gradually while whisking constantly. This helps prevent curdling.
- A water bath is key to smooth, creamy custard. Make sure the hot water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- If using the broiler instead of a torch, keep a close eye and rotate the ramekins for even caramelization.
- Chill the custards thoroughly before torching the tops—this ensures a firm custard and helps the topping set quickly.
- For added flavor, try infusing the cream with a split vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, or a bit of orange zest before combining with the egg mixture.
- Use shallow ramekins for faster and more even baking.
- Don’t overbake—look for a slight jiggle in the center when you shake the ramekin gently. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve with a few keto-friendly berries or a sprig of mint for a pretty presentation.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 513Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 411mgSodium: 45mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 7g
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