Try This Island-Inspired Twist on a Classic: Pineapple Creme Brulee Recipe

Served in a freshly sliced pineapple and gently torched to perfection, this pineapple crème brulee is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Pineapple Creme Brulee Served in a Freshly Sliced Pineapple

Pineapple Creme Brulee

Served in a freshly sliced pineapple and gently torched to perfection, this pineapple creme brulee is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photo by: Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

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Ingredients

For the Pineapple + Filling

  • 2 ripe pineapples
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Custard

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 large eggs, plus 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 9 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • whipped cream
  • 6 fresh strawberries, for garnish

Special Equipment

  • culinary torch

Prep Pineapple Shells

Slice off the bottom and crown of the leaves from each pineapple. Using scissors, snip off and refrigerate 12 to 18 of the best-looking small pineapple leaves. Cut the pineapples cross-wise into 6 rounds, each about 1 1/2-inch thick. (Don't peel the pineapple rounds. Reserve the remaining pineapple for another use.) Cover and refrigerate the pineapple shells until serving.

For each shell, using a small, sharp knife, cut an incision about 1/4-inch from the edge around the inside circumference of a pineapple round, being sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom.

Using a melon baller, scoop out and discard the central core, leaving about 1/4 inch of fruit on the bottom of the shell. Scoop out the pineapple within the incision, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.

Finely chop the pineapple flesh. You should have 2 cups. Transfer the chopped pineapple to a medium bowl and stir in the brown sugar.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the juices have evaporated and the pineapple is browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Return to the bowl and let cool completely. Stir in the vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.

Make the Custard

Bring the heavy cream to a simmer in a heavy, medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Whisk the eggs, yolks and granulated sugar together in a medium heat-proof bowl. Gradually whisk in the hot cream mixture. Return to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough to coat a wooden spoon (your finger should leave a path in the custard) and an instant-read thermometer reads 185-degrees F. Do not boil. Pour the custard through a sieve into a heat-proof bowl. (Stir in the vanilla extract now, if using.) Let cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and thickened, at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.

Divide the pineapple mixture evenly among the pineapple shells, spreading it evenly. Place the rounds on a baking sheet. Spoon equal amounts of the custard into each round and smooth the custard with a small spatula. Cover each with a piece of waxed or parchment paper and refrigerate until serving, at least 1 hour or up to 4.

Serve + Enjoy!

Sprinkle each custard evenly with 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar. Using the torch, wave the flame about 1/2 inch above the custard to caramelize the sugar. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch fluted tip with the whipped cream. Pipe a large rosette of whipped cream onto each custard and insert 2 or 3 pineapple leaves into each rosette. Garnish each with a straw­berry. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

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