How many calories are in cream brulé? The Ultimate Guide

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

A typical restaurant serving of classic crème brûlée can contain upwards of 400 calories, primarily due to its rich mixture of heavy cream, egg yolks, and sugar. The exact number of how many calories are in cream brulé depends heavily on the recipe and portion size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for crème brûlée varies greatly by portion and recipe. A standard serving can exceed 400 calories, mostly from rich cream and sugar, but homemade and portion-controlled versions can significantly lower the total.

Key Points

High-Calorie Dessert: A standard serving of crème brûlée can easily contain over 400 calories, primarily from fat and sugar.
Variable Calories: The final calorie count is heavily influenced by portion size, the type of dairy used, and the amount of sugar.
Rich in Fat: Due to its main ingredients of heavy cream and egg yolks, a large percentage of its calories come from fat.
Lighter Versions Exist: Replacing heavy cream with lighter milk or using sugar substitutes can significantly reduce the overall calorie content.
Mindful Consumption: Enjoying a smaller portion or a healthier homemade alternative is a great way to indulge without overdoing the calories.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Classic Cream Brulé

The traditional recipe for crème brûlée is decadent by design, and its calorie content reflects that. The core ingredients—heavy cream, egg yolks, and granulated sugar—are all calorically dense. Heavy cream contributes a significant amount of fat, while egg yolks add more fat and a small amount of protein. The caramelized sugar crust, a quintessential part of the dessert, adds pure carbohydrates.

Nutrition facts aggregator sites provide a range of calorie figures, as recipes and portion sizes vary wildly. Some estimates show that a 100-gram portion can contain 300 to 337 kcal, while a single large serving (around 209 grams) can pack in 423 calories or more. The nutritional information also points to a high fat content, with some figures indicating that up to 70% of the dessert's calories come from lipids.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several variables can dramatically alter the final calorie count of a crème brûlée, whether from a restaurant or homemade. These factors include:

Portion Size: A smaller portion, served in a modest ramekin, will naturally have fewer calories than a large one.
Ingredient Ratios: The amount of sugar and the richness of the cream can be adjusted. More cream and sugar result in a higher calorie density.
Type of Dairy: Substituting heavy cream with a lighter alternative, such as a mix of semi-skimmed milk and cream, or even a low-fat option, can reduce the calorie and fat content.
Sweeteners: Using low-calorie or zero-calorie sweeteners in place of some or all of the sugar can make a big difference, especially for the custard base.

A Closer Look at the Macronutrients

Beyond just calories, understanding the macronutrient profile reveals why crème brûlée is considered an indulgent treat. Based on various nutritional breakdowns, here is a typical macronutrient profile for a standard serving:

Fat: Extremely high, primarily from heavy cream and egg yolks. This includes a high level of saturated fat.
Carbohydrates: Moderate to high, depending on the amount of sugar used in both the custard and the caramelized crust.
Protein: Relatively low, coming mainly from the egg yolks and cream.

It is this high fat and sugar content that gives the dessert its creamy texture and rich flavor. While it provides some nutrients like Vitamin A and calcium from the dairy, it is not a nutritionally dense food.

Comparing Crème Brûlée with Other Desserts

To put crème brûlée's calories into perspective, it helps to compare it to similar desserts. The table below illustrates the approximate calorie differences based on a 100g serving size, which can vary based on the recipe.


Dessert	Approximate Calories per 100g	Key Difference	Source
Classic Crème Brûlée	300–337 kcal	Uses heavy cream and has a rich, high-fat custard.
Crème Caramel	Generally lower	Often made with milk instead of heavy cream, resulting in a lighter custard.
Vanilla Pudding	Significantly lower	Typically made with milk and uses less fat and sugar overall.	N/A
Chocolate Mousse	Varies greatly	Can be higher or lower depending on the recipe's use of chocolate, cream, and egg yolks.	N/A

How to Create a Healthier, Lower-Calorie Version

For those who love the dessert but want to reduce its caloric impact, several adjustments can be made without sacrificing all the flavor. You can find many recipes for lighter versions online, such as this "Low-fat Crème Brûlée" recipe from Allrecipes.

Here are some tips for making a lighter version at home:

Swap the Cream: Replace half of the heavy cream with semi-skimmed or full-fat milk to lower the fat content while retaining a good texture. Some recipes use fat-free half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Control the Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the custard by 20% or more, as the caramelized topping is often sweet enough. For the top, a thin, even layer is all you need.
Use Substitutes: Consider using a zero-calorie sweetener, like granulated monk fruit or erythritol, in place of some or all of the sugar.
Master Portion Control: Simply serving the dessert in smaller ramekins is the easiest way to reduce calorie intake.

Conclusion

While a classic crème brûlée is a high-calorie dessert due to its rich and fatty ingredients, its exact nutritional value is not set in stone. Factors like portion size, ingredients, and preparation method cause the calorie count to fluctuate. By being mindful of these variables and experimenting with lower-calorie ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this delicious, iconic French dessert in a more health-conscious way, whether you opt for a smaller serving or a lighter homemade version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, crème brûlée is considered high in fat. In a traditional recipe, a large portion of its calories come from the high fat content of heavy cream and egg yolks.

It can be, but with careful consideration. Since it is calorie-dense, you should control your portion size and balance it with other lower-calorie, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day.

To make a lower-calorie version at home, you can replace part of the heavy cream with lower-fat milk, reduce the amount of sugar in the custard, and use less sugar for the caramelized crust.

Crème brûlée is generally higher in calories than crème caramel. Crème caramel is typically made with milk, while crème brûlée uses heavy cream, which significantly increases its fat and calorie content.

The main ingredients are heavy cream, egg yolks, and sugar. The heavy cream and egg yolks contribute the bulk of the fat and calories, while the sugar adds carbohydrates.

Yes, portion size has a major impact. Serving the dessert in a small ramekin versus a large bowl can reduce the calorie intake significantly, even with the same recipe.

While it's not a healthy food, crème brûlée contains some vitamins and minerals from the egg yolks and cream, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.

Yes, some recipes successfully use zero-calorie sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit, along with sugar-free flavorings, to create a healthier, lower-calorie version.