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I wasn't thinking, and put the top layer of hardened sugar on my creme brûlée last night. Now it's a little bit soggy, and I'm trying to figure out how to save my dessert for a party today.

By the way, I originally used powdered sugar. Not sure if regular or powdered is best

I can think of three approaches:

  1. Leave as-is
  2. Re-apply another thin layer above the existing soggy layer
  3. Re-melt the existing soggy layer, hoping that it sets in crunchy.

Any alternative ideas or suggestions?

Aaronut
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Jacob Sharf
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1 Answers1

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Just before the party, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top. Use a blowtorch (preferred) or a very hot broiler to "brulee" the new sugar. That will cause both the old and new sugar to get browned and crunchy.

I just saw this on a related question. Alton Brown on Creme Brulee. He shows great blowtorch technique, do it just like that and you'll be fine, no need to remove the soggy layer.

Jolenealaska
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    Yup, this is exactly what you need to do. Remember, the "crust" is just caramelized sugar. If it gets soggy, just add some more sugar and re-burn it with a torch. – Matthew May 22 '14 at 22:18
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    You may want to keep the flame a little further from the top than normal for a few passes, just to help re-melt the layer underneath without burning the new top. – logophobe May 23 '14 at 18:45
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    I love to hear after-the-fact success stories! My pleasure. :) – Jolenealaska May 23 '14 at 20:20