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Smoked Bourbon Creme Brulle

This Bourbon Crème Brûlée recipe adds a smoky twist to the classic dessert. Made with a creamy custard base, a splash of bourbon, and finished with a caramelized sugar crust, it’s cooked low and slow in a smoker (or oven) for rich flavor and a smooth texture.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 11

Equipment

  • 11 4 oz Mason jars
  • 1 9x13'' deep baking dish (deep and wide enough to hold water and jars)
  • 1 smoker or oven
  • 1 kitchen torch

Ingredients
  

Custard Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 quart heavy cream (heated until it just begins to simmer)
  • 1½ tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp bourbon

Brûlée Top

  • 11 tbsp white sugar (1 tbsp per jar)
  • fresh raspberries optional garnish
  • mint leaves optional garnish

Instructions
 

Make the Custard

  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
    6 egg yolks, ½ cup white sugar
  • Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Go slow to avoid scrambling the eggs.
    1 quart heavy cream
  • Stir in the vanilla and bourbon
    2 tbsp bourbon, 1½ tbsp vanilla extract

Prepare the Baking Pan

  • Place your jars inside the 9x13 pan
  • Carefully pour the custard mixture into each jar, leaving a little space at the top.
  • Add hot water to the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the jars.

Smoke or Bake

  • Preheat your smoker or oven to 325°F.
  • If smoking, we recommend pecan pellets for a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Place the entire pan inside and cook for 40–50 minutes. The custard is done when it has a slight jiggle in the center or hits 170°F internal temp.

Chill

  • Remove the jars from the pan and let them cool.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours — overnight is even better.

Brûlée the Tops

  • Sprinkle 1 tbsp of sugar evenly on top of each custard.
    11 tbsp white sugar
  • Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and glassy
  • Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Garnish & Serve

  • Top with fresh mint or raspberries if you want to add a pop of color.
    mint leaves, fresh raspberries
  • Crack that caramel top and dig in!
Keyword crème brûlée, creme brulle, smoked creme brulle, smoked dessert