Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée : A Heavenly Dessert Your Family Will Love!

Name: Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 5 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Sugar for caramelizing the top

Posted on December 19, 2025

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This delightful Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée comes together in about 30 minutes and is easily made using the stovetop method for a quick and easy dessert that your family will absolutely adore! You can switch up the spices to suit your taste or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to help clear out some pantry odds and ends!

Ingredient Breakdown

You might be surprised at the simplicity of these ingredients! We’re keeping it cozy and comforting while also making it incredibly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups heavy cream: This is where the magic happens; heavy cream gives the custard its rich, luxurious texture! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of it with whole milk, but I promise the richness is worth it.
1 cup whole milk: The milk helps balance the cream and lightens it just enough while still maintaining that creamy goodness!
1/2 cup sugar: This sweetener works its way into the custard, and then you’ll use some for that gorgeous crispy topping.
5 large egg yolks: The yolks are key; they’re what make the custard so rich and creamy, and yes, they add tons of flavor!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for any crème brûlée! It adds an aromatic backbone that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Spices: Here’s where we get a little creative! We’ll use:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm hug of flavor we all know and love.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: This provides a lovely warmth that makes you feel cozy.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Seriously, this spice is the superstar; it adds an exotic flair that elevates the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way, trust me.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: I know, right? It sounds odd, but it adds a surprising depth to the sweetness!
Sugar for caramelizing the top: You’ll want a thin layer of this to get that glorious crunchy topping we all love!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is crucial as it sets the stage for our custard to bake perfectly!

Step 2: Heat the Cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and all the spices. Let this mixture heat over medium heat until just steaming, don’t boil it! You want it to be warm, not bubbling. This should only take about 5–7 minutes. The aroma? Yeah, it’ll be heavenly!

Step 3: Let it Steep

Remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Seriously, it’s during this time that the spices infuse into the cream mixture, making it fragrant and flavorful. You can even sneak a taste (baby steps!).

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Yolks

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract until they are well combined. You want them to be smooth and slightly pale in color. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes of whisking.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

Now, the next step is critical: you don’t want scrambled eggs in your crème brûlée! So slowly strain the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This is called tempering, and it ensures a smooth custard. It’ll take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Fill the Ramekins

Divide the custard mixture among six ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full. You’re going to feel like a professional chef at this point!

Step 7: Set Up a Water Bath

Place the ramekins in a baking dish, you want them snug but not crowded. Pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath keeps the custards from cooking too quickly and ensures they turn out creamy.

Step 8: Bake the Custards

Pop the whole thing in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Pro Tip: They should have a gentle wobble when you shake them.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Once they’re out, let your ramekins cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or overnight. Trust me; the chilling helps the flavors develop beautifully.

Step 10: Caramelize the Sugar

Right before serving, sprinkle about 1–2 teaspoons of sugar evenly on top of each custard. Grab your kitchen torch (or your broiler) and caramelize that sugar until it’s golden brown and bubbly. If you’re using the broiler, keep a close eye on it, it can burn quickly! Let them sit for a minute to harden, so the sugar forms a lovely, crispy shell.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Now, your Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée is ready! Just tap that sugar crust with your spoon, and let’s dig in! I mean, wow.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée has quickly become my go-to recipe for any occasion. I’m a real sucker for anything that combines comforting spices and that crunchy caramelized top. It feels indulgent, yet it’s so easy to make! This recipe is truly the best part of finishing off a family meal or for impressing guests without all the fuss. I adore how versatile it is; you can use whatever spices you have on hand. And believe me, it’ll be a hit every time!

If you loved this crème brûlée, be sure to check out my Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake, my Air Fryer Donut Holes, or my Lemon Crinkle Cookies! They’re all delightful in their own right!

Tips for Success

Quick & Easy

This Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée comes together in just about 30 minutes perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple yet fancy dessert option!

Versatile

The beauty of this dessert is in its adaptability. Don’t have cinnamon? Maybe you prefer nutmeg! Get creative with spices based on what tickles your fancy.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These beauties can be made a day ahead, which means less fuss when you’re ready to impress!

Crowds & Family-Pleaser

I can guarantee that the whole family will love this creamy, spiced bliss. Plus, if you’re hosting friends, it’s a real showstopper!

Serving and Storage

How to Serve This Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée

Serve this dessert in the ramekins, and encourage your guests to crack into that sugar shell before diving into the creamy custard underneath! It looks so elegant but honestly, it’s super simple to whip up.

Storage Tips

These can be stored in the fridge (covered with plastic wrap) for up to 3 days though, truthfully, they rarely last that long in my house!

Reheating Instructions

For the sugar topping, once you’re ready to serve, you’ll want to caramelize it again since we’ll keep the custard chilled. The actual custard doesn’t need reheating!

Freezer Friendly

Unfortunately, crème brûlée doesn’t freeze very well due to the custard base, but the good news is that they come together so quickly that you likely won’t need to freeze them!

Now you’re all set to impress with this quick and easy Spiced Chai Crème Brûlée! Honestly, you’d just want to eat the whole batch, it’s that good!

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on this amazing journey of flavor. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.