Vanilla Yogurt Brulee

When food falls between breakfast and dessert, it can confuse things. So we say, go with it. This Vanilla Yogurt Brulee is the fanciest breakfast (or dessert) you never knew you needed- until now! If you love creme brulee from your favorite French restaurant then this recipe is for you.

So what is yogurt brulee? add sugar to your favorite vanilla yogurt, and caramelize the top to a crispy, {need a spoon to crack it} topping -that melts in your mouth with every bite. The best part about it? No eggs, baking, or water baths are needed.

We are no stranger to a culinary torch and this is not the first time we torched our breakfast. This yogurt brulee was inspired by our oatmeal recipe and it probably won't be our last flaming meal. All you need are a few ingredients and some fire to make this Vanilla Yogurt Brulee showstopper for your next brunch gathering.

Here is what you will need to make this yogurt creme brulee dupe.

• Greek yogurt (or vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt)
• Vanilla paste or extract
• Sugar White granulated or superfine (castor sugar)

Full ingredient list and instructions are located in the recipe card.

You will need a culinary torch for this recipe. Unfortunately, a broiler won't work here since it will turn the yogurt into a gloppy mess. We love this one on Amazon.

Safety first! follow the instructions for your kitchen torch. Use your favorite vanilla yogurt or make it yourself by mixing plain Greek yogurt and a little vanilla paste or extract.

Add the yogurt to a shallow ramekin or creme brullee dish. Cover with sugar.

Caramelize the sugar with a culinary torch by slowly sweeping the flame back and forth until brown spots appear and the sugar begins to harden.

Expert tip

For best results, stick with a thick Greek yogurt with at least 2% fat and brulee right before serving.

Swaps

Feel free to use any flavored yogurt you like.

• Fresh fruit Top with fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are some of our faves.
• Fresh mint Garnish with fresh mint for a vibrant pop of color.
• Coconut extract Swap out the vanilla extract for coconut and top with flaked coconut and fresh pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Granola Add texture with this berry granola or this vanilla coconut variety.
• Muesli Top your yogurt with the decadent chocolate muesli.

Keeping leftovers

The best time to caramelize the sugar is right before you are ready to eat it. Doing it too far in advance will cause the sugar to liquefy and bleed into the yogurt. However, if you must do it in advance, we have found that once you brulee your sugar, you can get away with about 4-6 hours in the fridge (uncovered) and still maintain that crunch.

Kitchen questions

Can we use a broiler instead of a torch?

The broiler method doesn't work with this brulee, because the heat from the oven will melt the yogurt. Invest in a kitchen torch, it is so worth it!

Solid pairings

Ingredients

Makes 4

• 16 oz 2% Greek yogurt (*or use vanilla Greek yogurt)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar, plus more if needed
• fresh fruit for topping (optional)

Equipment

• culinary kitchen torch
• creme brulee dishes or small ramekins

Method

1. Mix the vanilla and the yogurt. To make this extra easy, use vanilla Greek yogurt.

2. Divide the yogurt among four 6 or 8-ounce creme brulee ramekins.

3. Place the ramekins in the freezer, uncovered for about 15 minutes to firm the tops. This will make the sugar easier to caramelize.

4. Remove from the freezer and sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar (or more to cover) over each of the ramekins. Caramelize the sugar with a culinary torch by slowly sweeping the flame back and forth until brown spots appear and the sugar begins to harden. Top with fresh fruit, if desired. Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

For best results, caramelize the sugar right before serving.