Creme brulee syrup is a sweet and rich syrup that mimics the flavor profile of the popular French dessert creme brulee. It has a creamy vanilla custard flavor with notes of caramelized sugar. Creme brulee syrup can be used to add flavor to a variety of foods and beverages such as coffees, teas, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, French toast, pancakes, waffles, and more. It’s a delicious way to infuse creme brulee flavor into recipes.
What is creme brulee?
Creme brulee is a rich custard dessert with a layer of hard caramelized sugar on top. It’s made by baking a mixture of egg yolks, cream, vanilla, and sugar until set, then topping it with sugar and using a kitchen torch to caramelize and harden the sugar topping. When you crack through the crisp sugar crust with your spoon, it reveals the silky smooth vanilla custard underneath. Creme brulee has a wonderful contrast of textures – the hard caramelized shell and the soft creamy custard interior. It’s decadently delicious!
How is creme brulee syrup made?
Creme brulee syrup is made by simulating the flavors of creme brulee in syrup form. The main ingredients are:
– Heavy cream – provides the rich, velvety texture
– Vanilla – infuses traditional creme brulee flavor
– Sugar – sweetens the syrup and provides caramelized notes
– Egg yolks – used in small amounts to thicken and add richness
The ingredients are combined and slowly heated while stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. It’s simmered until thickened to a syrup consistency then cooled. The result is a luscious, sweet and creamy syrup that mimics the flavor profile of creme brulee with prominent notes of vanilla custard and caramel.
Common uses for creme brulee syrup
Here are some of the most popular ways to use creme brulee syrup:
Coffee and Tea
Drizzle creme brulee syrup into coffees and teas to add sweetness and a decadent flavor reminiscent of the famous French dessert. It’s delicious in lattes, cappuccinos, espresso drinks, chai tea, and more. The syrup mimics the flavors of creme brulee perfectly in hot beverages.
Milkshakes and Smoothies
Add a splash of creme brulee syrup to milkshakes or smoothies for a flavor boost. It blends in beautifully and gives a rich, creamy vanilla flavor with hints of caramel. Try making a creme brulee milkshake by combining ice cream, milk, and creme brulee syrup.
Pancakes, Waffles and French Toast
Drizzle or pour creme brulee syrup over pancakes, waffles and French toast for breakfast. The sweet flavor comes through beautifully on these breakfast foods. The syrup soaks into all the nooks and crannies for delicious flavor in every bite.
Ice cream sundaes
For ultimate indulgence, make an ice cream sundae with creme brulee syrup. Top your favorite ice cream with the syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry on top. The flavors pair wonderfully for a decadent frozen treat.
Fruit salad dressing
Use creme brulee syrup as a salad dressing drizzled over fresh fruit salads. It adds sweetness and a lovely flavor complement to fruits like berries, pineapple, mandarin oranges and more.
Yogurt parfaits
Stir creme brulee syrup into yogurt and layer it with granola and fresh fruit to make parfaits. The syrup swirls throughout the yogurt for a delicious flavor infusion in each bite.
Oatmeal and overnight oats
For a morning treat, stir some creme brulee syrup into your oatmeal or overnight oats recipe. It dissolves beautifully into the oats giving lovely vanilla and caramel flavors.
Cakes and baked goods
Incorporate creme brulee syrup into cake, cupcake or muffin batters for moist and flavorful baked goods. Brush it over Pound cake or madeleines once they come out of the oven for extra flavor.
Crepes and blintzes
Drizzle or brush creme brulee syrup over delicate crepes and blintzes to add sweetness and flavor. It’s a nice change from typical syrups like maple.
Cheesecakes
Infuse cheesecake with delicious creme brulee flavors by incorporating the syrup into the batter or pouring it over the top of baked cheesecakes.
Custards and puddings
Stir a spoonful or two of creme brulee syrup into custard or pudding recipes for an extra flavor boost.
Milk and creamers
Add a splash of creme brulee syrup to milk or creamers like half and half or coffee creamer. It dissolves nicely and adds sweet vanilla and caramel flavors.
Cocktails
For a boozy twist, use creme brulee syrup to flavor cocktails. Try making a creme brulee martini with vodka, Kahlua, and the syrup.
Making creme brulee syrup at home
You can easily make creme brulee syrup at home with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup white sugar
– 6 egg yolks
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, vanilla bean scrapings or extract, and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. This tempers the yolks so they don’t scramble when adding back to the hot mixture.
3. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a syrup consistency, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and strain through a mesh sieve to remove any egg scrambles. Let cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Where to buy creme brulee syrup
While making it at home is simple, store-bought creme brulee syrup is also easily accessible online and in some grocery stores. Here are a few places to buy pre-made creme brulee syrup:
– Online: Amazon, Walmart, Webstaurant Store
– Specialty food stores: Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table
– Grocery stores: The syrup can sometimes be found in the pancake syrup aisle or with other specialty syrups at stores like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, etc.
– Coffee shops: Some coffee shops will carry it along with their other flavor syrups
– Baking supply stores: Look for it at bakery supply shops that sell commercial ingredients
Be sure to check the ingredients list when purchasing. High quality creme brulee syrups are made with real vanilla and heavy cream for an authentic flavor.
How to store and shelf life of creme brulee syrup
Creme brulee syrup has a shelf life of about 2-3 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Here are some tips for storing creme brulee syrup:
– Keep refrigerated in an airtight container after opening
– Do not store at room temperature as the dairy in the syrup can spoil
– Look for any signs of mold and discard if any develops
– If syrup separates, give it a good stir to re-emulsify before using
– For longest shelf life, store in the refrigerator door away from air exposure
– Syrup may thicken when chilled, but will melt back to pourable consistency at room temp
– For longer term storage, freezer for up to 3 months
– If freezing, allow to thaw completely in refrigerator before using
Properly stored in the fridge, creme brulee syrup will maintain optimal flavor and freshness for 2-3 weeks after opening. Always use clean utensils when removing syrup from the jar to prevent contamination. Give it a sniff and taste test along the way – if it smells or tastes off, it’s time to toss and open a new jar.
Is creme brulee syrup gluten free?
The good news is that pure creme brulee syrup is inherently gluten free, as it is made from ingredients like cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolks. There is no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients used to make basic creme brulee syrup.
However, some commercially made creme brulee syrups may contain thickening agents or natural flavors that do contain gluten. If you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy, be sure to read the labels carefully and look for a Certified Gluten-Free label when purchasing creme brulee syrup.
When selecting a creme brulee syrup, look for one with minimal ingredients including:
– Heavy cream
– Sugar
– Vanilla
– Egg yolks
Avoid creme brulee syrups with thickeners like wheat flour or mysterious “natural flavors” which could potentially contain gluten. Stick to simple ingredients and if concerned, contact the manufacturer to inquire about gluten testing.
Making your own creme brulee syrup at home is the best way to guarantee it’s gluten-free. That way you control all the ingredients being used!
Creme brulee syrup nutrition facts
Creme brulee syrup is a high calorie and high sugar product, as you would expect for an ultra sweet syrup. Here are some general nutrition facts per 1 tablespoon (15ml) serving:
– Calories: 130
– Total fat: 8g
– Saturated fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Sodium: 15mg
– Total carbohydrate: 16g
– Sugar: 15g
– Protein: 1g
As you can see, just a small amount provides nearly 15g of sugar – over half of the recommended 25g daily value. So creme brulee syrup should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
The main nutrients in creme brulee syrup include:
– Sugar – The primary ingredient, sugar supplies the sweetness and contributes to the thick, viscous texture.
– Fat – Derived from the cream, the fat provides creamy richness and carries the vanilla flavor.
– Protein – The egg yolks contain a small amount of protein.
– Calcium – The cream provides a bit of calcium.
– Cholesterol – Eggs contribute cholesterol, with about 60mg per serving.
Overall creme brulee syrup is high in sugar and low in nutritional value. It can be enjoyed occasionally as part of desserts or treats, but healthier options like fruit or yogurt should be chosen for everyday meals and snacks.
Is creme brulee syrup keto?
Creme brulee syrup would generally not be considered keto friendly, as it is high in sugar content.
On the keto diet, the goal is to reach and maintain ketosis through very low carb intake, moderate protein and high fat. Typical keto guidelines recommend limiting carb intake to only about 5% of daily calories from carbs.
One serving (1 tablespoon) of creme brulee syrup contains about 16g total carbs, with 15g being pure sugar. This provides over half of the 25g daily allotment for carbs on a standard 2000 calorie keto diet.
While small amounts could potentially be incorporated into an occasional treat, creme brulee syrup would need to be used sparingly. It could easily kick you out of ketosis if over-consumed due to the high sugar content.
Some alternatives would be sugar-free syrups made with keto-approved sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. You can also find recipes online for “keto creme brulee syrup” made without sugar. But the texture and caramelization may be difficult to replicate without real sugar.
Overall, creme brulee syrup is very high in sugar, so it should be considered a non keto-friendly ingredient. Be mindful of portion sizes if using in moderation.
Conclusion
Creme brulee syrup is an absolutely delicious way to add flavor to a variety of foods and beverages. With its rich vanilla custard and caramelized sugar taste, it mimics the taste of the classic French dessert creme brulee. While simple to make at home, store-bought versions are also readily available in stores or online. Just a drizzle can transform drinks, desserts, breakfast foods and more with its signature creamy and slightly burnt sugar flavors. Though high in sugar content, creme brulee syrup can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional sweet indulgence. Savor it as a special treat to bring decadent creme brulee flavor to your favorite recipes.
