Description
Berry Brûlée is a simple and elegant dessert featuring a medley of fresh mixed berries topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. This French-inspired treat brings together the natural sweetness of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries with a hint of vanilla and optional lemon zest. Broiled to perfection, the brûlée topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy berries. Perfect for a quick summer dessert, it can be served on its own or with creamy crème fraîche or vanilla Greek yogurt for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Berry Mixture
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Topping
- granulated sugar (about 1 teaspoon per ramekin, plus more for initial mixing)
Optional for Serving
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche or vanilla Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler: Set your oven to broil on high and position a rack close to the heat source to ensure the sugar caramelizes quickly.
- Prepare the berry mixture: In a mixing bowl, gently toss together the fresh mixed berries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using, evenly coating the fruit.
- Divide into ramekins: Evenly distribute the berry mixture into four small, broiler-safe ramekins or shallow dishes, ensuring each gets an equal portion.
- Add the sugar topping: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar (about 1 teaspoon per ramekin) over the top of the berries to create the brûlée crust.
- Broil the berries: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the sugar melts and turns a golden brown caramel color.
- Cool the brûlée: Remove the ramekins from the oven and allow them to sit for a few minutes so the caramelized sugar can harden into a crisp crust.
- Serve: Enjoy the berry brûlée as is, or add a spoonful of crème fraîche or vanilla Greek yogurt underneath or alongside each serving for an extra creamy texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- For a traditional torch-style brûlée, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping instead of broiling.
- This dessert shines best with fresh, in-season berries for optimal flavor and juiciness.
- You can prepare the berry mix in advance and apply the sugar topping just before serving to maintain the crisp crust.
- Ensure to watch the broiling process carefully as sugar can burn quickly under high heat.
