Creme Brulee, decadence at its finest, is a rich, creamy custard topped by a layer hard caramel. It combines the best of creamy and crunchy into one bite. National Creme Brulee Day celebrates this iconic dessert from Paris.

Creme Brulee is a classic, having first appeared in a 1691 recipe book by Francois Massialot. Cuisinier royalet bourgeois was the name of the book that contained the first recipe for this amazing treat. However, when the recipe was translated into English it became “Burnt Cream”, which may not be a fair description of the confection. Despite being deeply associated with France and Paris, it was not found in any French cookbooks from 1740 to 1980. Creme Brulee, despite its decades-long reputation for decadence and utter hedonism, was a huge success in the 1980’s and became the “darling” of the restaurant boom.

National Creme Brulee Day invites you to indulge in your own decadence and to search for recipes or restaurants that offer it. There are many versions of Creme Brulee, including the classic Creme Brulee and crema catalana. This Catalan version is also available.

Traditionally served in ramekins the dish looks like a small tart or pie, but once you crack the burnt sugar shell it becomes clear that you are enjoying something truly special.

It’s easy to celebrate! Find a Creme Brulee restaurant near you and enjoy two, three or four servings. It’s a decadent treat that’s delicious! Gather your friends and have a Creme Brulee cooking contest to see who can create the best version of Creme Brulee. Creme Brulee can be a simple recipe, but there are many options for personalization and creativity. You could spend the whole day enjoying a hedonistic meal, and nobody would be mad at you.