Durian is one of those fruits that people either obsess over or avoid at all costs.
For hardcore fans, it’s not just about eating it fresh—it’s about discovering new ways to enjoy its rich, creamy goodness.
Over the years, we’ve seen durian turned into everything from ice cream and cakes to pastries and pancakes. But what if we told you someone took it up a notch and made crème brûlée out of it?
That’s exactly what a woman in the U.S. did. TikTok user @jenhdao went viral for her unexpected take on this classic French dessert by blending durian into the custard and—get this—using the durian husk as the serving dish.
The result? A decadent, caramelised treat that merges fine dining with the bold flavours of Southeast Asia.
Durian crème brûlée that has people drooling
In her viral TikTok video, @jenhdao showed the entire process, from prepping the durian flesh to torching the sugar on top.
But what really got people talking was her decision to keep things authentic by serving it in the cleaned-out durian husk.
The best part? That crack when she broke through the caramelised sugar layer—the signature moment of any crème brûlée.
If you love durian, imagine that crisp sugar shell giving way to a smooth, custardy durian filling. Sounds like a dream, right?
Want to try it? Here’s the recipe!
If you’re feeling adventurous, here’s how you can make this at home.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup durian flesh
How to make it:
- Scoop out the durian flesh and remove the seeds.
- Blend everything together at low speed until smooth.
- Strain the mixture to get rid of any bits for a silky custard.
- Pour it into a cleaned and dried durian husk (or ramekins if you prefer).
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Chill in the fridge to let the flavors settle.
- Sprinkle two tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Torch it until the sugar caramelises into a golden, crispy crust.
So, would you try it?
Durian fans are always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy their favourite fruit, and this crème brûlée twist proves just how versatile durian can be. It’s creamy, it’s caramelised, and it’s packed with that signature durian punch.
So, what do you think—would you give this bold durian dessert a shot?
Watch the clip here:
