Caramel Apple Creme Brulee

Name: Caramel Apple Creme Brulee
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 3 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping; 1/4 cup sugar plus 4 tablespoons sugar, divided; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, divided; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 5 egg yolks, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Here's the cream of the apple dessert crop. Fruit, caramel and cinnamon flavors enhance the rich, velvety custard. Served warm or chilled, it's a classic end to a meal. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Ingredients

3 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup sugar plus 4 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups heavy whipping cream
5 egg yolks, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place apples in a microwave-safe dish; cover with water. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Drain apples and pat dry on paper towel. Arrange apples in the bottoms of six 6-oz. ramekins or custard cups. Top with caramel topping; set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar and cinnamon; stir in cream. Heat over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan. Remove from the heat; stir a small amount of hot mixture into the egg yolks. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Stir in vanilla.
Pour into prepared ramekins. Place ramekins in a baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° until centers are just set (mixture will jiggle), 55-60 minutes. Remove ramekins from water bath; cool for 20 minutes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
If using a creme brulee torch, sprinkle remaining 4 tablespoons sugar evenly over custards. Heat sugar with the torch until caramelized. Serve immediately.
If broiling the custards, place ramekins on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 4 tablespoons sugar evenly over custards. Broil 8 in. from the heat for 4-7 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.