When a dish sits between breakfast and dessert, why not embrace it? This Easy Vanilla Yogurt Brulee is the elegant breakfast-or-dessert you didn’t know you needed. If you enjoy classic crème brûlée, you’ll love this lighter, egg-free version made with vanilla Greek yogurt and a crisp caramelized sugar topping.
What is yogurt brulee? It’s simply vanilla yogurt topped with a layer of sugar that’s caramelized into a thin, crackable shell. Each spoonful pairs creamy yogurt with a shattering, caramelized top. The best part: no eggs, no baking, no water baths—just yogurt, vanilla, sugar, and a torch.
This recipe keeps things simple and impressive. Use a thick Greek yogurt for best texture, flavor with vanilla paste or extract, chill briefly, and torch the sugar right before serving for that restaurant-style crunch.
Ingredients
Gather a few basic ingredients to make this yogurt crème brûlée alternative.
- Greek yogurt — preferably thick, 2% or full-fat (or vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt)
- Vanilla paste or extract — for a rich vanilla flavor
- Sugar — white granulated or superfine (caster) sugar for caramelizing
The exact amounts and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
Equipment
You’ll need a small culinary torch to caramelize the sugar. A broiler or oven won’t produce the quick, intense surface heat needed and can melt the yogurt.
Instructions
Always follow safety guidelines for your kitchen torch. If you prefer, use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt to skip adding extra vanilla.
1. Stir vanilla into plain Greek yogurt if not using pre-flavored yogurt. Divide the yogurt evenly among shallow ramekins or small creme brûlée dishes.
2. Sprinkle an even layer of sugar over each yogurt surface. Use a culinary torch to slowly sweep the flame across the sugar, creating brown spots and a hard, glassy crust. Let the caramel cool for a minute, then serve.
👩🍳Expert tip
For the best crack and texture, use a thick Greek yogurt (at least 2% fat) and torch the sugar immediately before serving.
Variations and toppings
This recipe is flexible—try different yogurts or toppings to suit your taste.
- Fresh fruit — berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness and balance.
- Fresh mint — a sprig of mint brightens the presentation.
- Coconut extract — replace vanilla with coconut and top with flaked coconut and pineapple for a tropical spin.
- Granola — sprinkle granola for crunch beneath the caramel top or on the side.
- Muesli — add muesli for a hearty, textured contrast.
Storage
Caramelize the sugar right before serving for the best crunch. If you must brulee in advance, the caramelized top will remain reasonably crisp for about 4–6 hours in the fridge if left uncovered, but the sooner you serve, the better.
FAQ
No—an oven broiler applies heat more slowly and from a distance, which can warm and soften the yogurt. A handheld culinary torch provides the quick, intense surface heat needed to caramelize sugar without altering the yogurt’s texture.
Perfect pairings
-
Sun Dried Tomato and Feta Fried Eggs
-
Golden Beet Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette
-
Goat Cheese Scrambled Eggs
-
Feta Quiche with Tomatoes and Leeks
Made this recipe? I’d love to hear about it—leave a rating and comment below the recipe. If you snapped a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Easy Vanilla Yogurt Brulee
Equipment
- 1 culinary kitchen torch
- 4 creme brulee dishes or small ramekins
Ingredients
- 16 oz 2% Greek yogurt (or vanilla Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus more if needed
- Fresh fruit for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the vanilla into the Greek yogurt. If using vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt, skip this step.
- Divide the yogurt evenly among four 6–8 oz ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in the freezer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes to firm the tops—this helps the sugar caramelize cleanly.
- Remove the ramekins, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon sugar over each surface (add more to fully cover), and use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar by sweeping the flame slowly until brown spots form and the sugar hardens. Top with fresh fruit if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and portions.
Leave a comment and a star rating below. If you snapped a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram.