National Creme Brûlée Day

A Sweet History: How National Creme Brûlée Day Came to Be

On this day, we celebrate one of the most delicious—and admittedly, indulgent—desserts out there: creme brûlée. This so-called “burnt cream” has been around for centuries, and its popularity is showing no signs of slowing down. Let’s take a closer look at the history of this sweet treat and find out how National Creme Brûlée Day came to be.

What Is Creme Brûlée?

Creme brûlée is a rich custard dessert that is typically made with heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla bean. The custard is cooked in a ramekin and then refrigerated until firm. Once it’s chilled, a layer of sugar is added to the top of the custard and then caramelized using a torch or broiler. This gives the dessert its signature crispy top.

The first known recipe for creme brûlée dates back to 1691, when it was included in Francois Massialot’s cookbook “Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois.” Massialot was the chef to French King Louis XIV, so it’s safe to say that this dish was fit for royalty. In the centuries since then, creme brûlée has evolved into the mouthwatering dessert we know and love today.

How Did National Creme Brûlée Day Come to Be?

National Creme Brûlée Day is an annual food holiday that falls on July 27th. While its exact origins are unknown, this holiday was likely created by professional pastry chefs or home cooks who simply wanted an excuse to eat (and make) more creme brûlée. And we can’t say we blame them!

This dish may have French origins, but it’s beloved all over the world. Whether you enjoy it classic style or like to mix things up with flavor add-ins like chocolate, coffee, or pumpkin spice, there’s no denying that creme brûlée is a truly decadent dessert. So make sure to celebrate National Creme Brûlée Day in style by whipping up a batch (or two!) of this creamy treat. Bon appétit!