This is the time of year when I want chocolate peppermint everything. Beverages, bark, mousse, creamer and especially this Chocolate Peppermint Crème Brûlée. Hidden beneath a caramelized sugar carapace lies a rich, creamy chocolate custard flavored with peppermint and coffee liqueur. The dessert is finished with a dusting of freshly crushed candy canes. A seasonal twist on a timeless classic, this Chocolate Peppermint Crème Brûlée is incredibly luscious and packed with festive, Holiday cheer.
Although I could certainly eat a little cup crème of every day, I like to save these brûléed babies for a special occasion. Chocolate Peppermint Crème Brûlée is a perfect dessert to serve at your next Holiday cocktail party! The custard can be prepared in advance (it’s actually best if you chill it overnight), and a little blowtorch action makes for some fun tableside theatrics. Continue reading for the recipe.
Chocolate Peppermint Crème Brûlée
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces (I used Valrhona here)
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sugar, plus an additional 6 teaspoons for the topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur
- Mini candy canes, smashed into small bits
Special equipment: blowtorch
Instructions
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Preheat an oven to 325ºF. Have a full pot of boiling water ready. Place six 4-ounce ramekins in a baking dish. Set aside.
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Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan, and you can see steam rising from the surface of the cream. Remove from the heat, add the chocolate, and stir until melted and combined. Let cool slightly. In a bowl with a pour spout, whisk together the egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture is thick and pale yellow (about 5 minutes, you can use a hand mixer here as well). Slowly stir in the warm chocolate-cream mixture, then stir in the vanilla, peppermint and coffee liqueur. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract, then add more to taste.
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Divide the chocolate mixture among the prepared ramekins, then transfer the baking dish to the oven. Carefully add boiling water to the pan halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the entire baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake until the custards are just set around the edges (25 – 35 minutes). Test for doneness by jiggling one of the ramekins. It’s done when the edges stay in place, and the center is still wobbly. Do not overcook. Transfer the ramekins to a wire rack, and let cool to room temperate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
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Just before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly over the surface of each custard. Using a blow torch, caramelize the sugar on top until just golden. Move the flame continuously over the sugar. The sugar will bubble, then darken. Finish with a sprinkling of crushed candy cane.
Recipe originally featured in Pacific Magazine.
La Torontoise says
Brandon, made this brulee today for a festive meal on the occasion of the birthday of my little son; all guests were very enthusiastic about it. Can not wait to repeat the experience! Thank you!!
Happy holidays!
Brandon Matzek says
Thank you so much! Glad the birthday guests like this dessert 🙂
Kim - Liv Life says
I saw these on Facebook the other day and haven’t been able to stop thinking about them! I’m with you… tis the season for peppermint, and I love my peppermint with chocolate. Beautiful photos, as always, and a recipe I’ll be holding onto forever!! I think I see a new holiday tradition in our household… 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thank you Kim!! I know I’ll be making this creme brulee each year now 😉
sippitysup says
Cool mag spread! GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Greg!!
Cory says
A new holiday tradition in our house! Thanks Brandon.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Cory!!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I really would love one of these to appear in front of me right about now. Instead, it’s just me and Lightroom. Darn. They look fab!
BriGeeski says
I have totally been loving peppermint lately! What a yummy idea!
Ali - Vancouver Food Photographer says
I am a food photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. I really enjoyed the pictures you have posted. Great compositions and very well color-balanced. You will be in my feed reader to see more from you.
aida mollenkamp says
Oh, I love the idea of this! And great photos in both the mag and here on the site!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Aida!
[email protected] says
OOOOO festive lovely fun!
jenn @ Peas and Crayons says
I’ve had the most mondo CB craving ever lately and you just sent me over the edge – totally trying this!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Beautiful! This is one of our favorite desserts, I’ll need to give this delicious version a try!
Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines says
I recently saw some coffee creamer that was peppermint chocolate flavored and would have picked it up if not for the fact that I like my coffee black. I also, however, like my coffee with dessert. Sooooo, pass a serving, please? 🙂
dev says
Just found your blog; this recipe sounds so good for holiday season. I like peppermint cookies and I think this is going to be perfect dessert.