Perfect Crème Brulée

Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Move an oven rack to the lowest position.

Whisk egg yolks, 1/4 white sugar, and vanilla together in a heatproof bowl until smooth. Bring cream just to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat; gradually whisk hot cream into egg yolk mixture (a little at a time to prevent the mixture from scrambling), whisking continuously until combined.

Bring a couple of inches of water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat; set the bowl with cream mixture over the saucepan to form a double boiler. Cook, gently stirring with a wooden spoon, until cream mixture thickens enough to easily coat the back of the spoon.

Pour hot cream into a heat-proof baking dish or individual ramekins set on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven; bake until mixture sets but has a slight jiggle, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

To make the topping: Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Combine 2 tablespoons white sugar and brown sugar in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over cold crème brûlée.

Heat under the preheated broiler until sugar melts and browns, 2 to 3 minutes; return immediately to the refrigerator and chill until sugar is set, about 15 minutes.