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White Chocolate & Lemon Crème Brûlée with Fresh Fig Compote

A delightful dessert that blends luscious white chocolate with bright lemon flavors, topped with a fresh fig compote for an elegant touch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Fresh Fig Compote
  • 1 pound fresh figs (stems removed, halved lengthwise)
  • 1 zest Cara Cara orange
  • 2 tablespoons port wine
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Crème Brûlée
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 bean vanilla (seeds removed from the pod)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 zest small lemon
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 4.4 ounces white chocolate (chopped)
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (or half a vanilla bean, seeds removed from the pod)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Method
 

Make the Fresh Fig Compote
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the halved figs, orange zest, port wine, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs break down and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Prepare the Crème Brûlée
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place a baking dish in the oven.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), and a pinch of salt. Heat until it is just about to boil; then remove from heat.
  3. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
  5. Add the chopped white chocolate to the mixture, stirring until smooth and fully blended.
  6. Pour the custard into ramekins, filling them to just below the rim.
  7. Place the filled ramekins into the hot water bath (the baking dish you prepared earlier) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly jiggly.
  8. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
  9. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of the remaining granulated sugar over the top of each crème brûlée.
  10. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy topping.

Notes

You can store the crème brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without the caramelized sugar topping. It’s best enjoyed fresh.