Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets Recipe

If you’re seeking the ultimate blend of creamy, nutty, and caramelized dessert bliss, look no further than Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets. Imagine a buttery hazelnut crust hugging rich, silky vanilla custard, all crowned with a shattering, glass-like layer of caramelized sugar. These tartlets deliver that satisfying crack with every bite and bring French-inspired elegance right to your table, making even an ordinary evening feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each element contributes something special, whether it’s texture, flavor, or aroma, and together they create pure magic. Let’s appreciate how each plays a starring role:

• Ground Hazelnuts: These provide a warm, toasty foundation and deep nutty flavor in the crust.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Offer just the right amount of crunch and a sweet, buttery backdrop.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crust while adding richness.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Egg Yolks: Deliver that luscious, creamy custard texture we all crave.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the filling ultra-smooth and decadent.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both custard and brûlée topping, lending the signature caramelized finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Invites those classic vanilla bean notes into the creamy base.
• Extra Sugar (for brûlée): Essential for creating that golden, crunchy lid on top of each tartlet.
• Crushed Hazelnuts (optional garnish): Sprinkle over finished tartlets for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Nutty Tartlet Crust

Start by blending ground hazelnuts and graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt. The mixture should resemble wet sand and press easily into mini tartlet pans. This special crust forms a sturdy, flavorful base that perfectly supports the creamy custard to come.

Step 2: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pressed crusts for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool completely before moving to the next step so the custard won’t seep through or overcook.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Filling

For the heart of these Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets, combine egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until smooth and even. The trick is to mix without incorporating too much air, keeping the filling silky and free of bubbles.

Step 4: Bake Until Just Set

Reduce your oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Pour the custard carefully into each cooled crust. Bake the tartlets for 25 to 30 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly when moved. Once out of the oven, let them cool to room temperature, then chill them thoroughly in the fridge.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each chilled tartlet. Using a kitchen torch, gently melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a deep golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can pop them under the broiler, keeping a close eye so the sugar doesn’t burn. Let the sugar set for a minute or two to harden before serving.

How to Serve Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets

Garnishes

A light dusting of crushed hazelnuts makes for a delightful garnish, adding a little extra crunch and rustic beauty. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with some fresh berries or a mint leaf for color contrast.

Side Dishes

Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets are stars on their own, but they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or even a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to echo the custard’s creamy notes. Some folks also love a cup of bold espresso or dark roast coffee alongside to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these tartlets on elegant plates with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or stack them artfully on a tiered stand for a high-tea vibe. For dinner parties, consider making slightly smaller tartlets for bite-sized indulgence—everyone loves a dessert they can eat in a single, satisfyingly crunchy mouthful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying these beauties, keep any leftover Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets covered in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about two days, though the caramelized sugar topping may soften a little as time passes. For best texture, eat within 24 hours of torching the tops.

Freezing

If you need to prep dessert ahead, you can freeze the baked and cooled tartlet shells and even the un-caramelized, chilled custard-filled tartlets for up to a month. Just wait to brûlée the sugar until after thawing, as freezing can affect the crackly finish.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets since they’re best enjoyed chilled. If you want to restore a crisp topping, let the tartlet warm slightly at room temperature, sprinkle fresh sugar, then torch again right before serving for that irresistible crack.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different nut for hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or pecans make delicious alternatives and offer unique flavor twists. Just be sure to toast and grind them beforehand for the best texture and taste.

Do I need a kitchen torch to brûlée the topping?

No torch? No problem! Use your oven’s broiler: place the sugared tartlets on a baking sheet, set them under the broiler, and watch closely until the sugar caramelizes. Rotate for even browning and remove as soon as the top is crackly.

Why is my custard grainy instead of silky?

Grainy custard often comes from overbaking or using too high a temperature. Make sure to pull the tartlets when they’re just set with a slight jiggle, and bake at the recommended gentle heat for smooth results.

How can I make these tartlets gluten-free?

Just swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free cookies or ground gluten-free oat biscuits. The crust’s flavor will still shine, and you’ll get that perfect crisp shell without any gluten.

Can Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can bake the crust and fill with custard a day or two ahead; just keep them chilled without the brûlée topping. Caramelize the sugar topping shortly before serving to wow your guests with that signature crack.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself the pleasure of making and sharing Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Tartlets—there’s something truly magical about cracking into that caramelized sugar top and finding the creamy custard beneath. Let these elegant tartlets become your new signature dessert, perfect for both quiet self-treats and festive gatherings alike!