Creme brulee, is famous for its hardened caramelized sugar topping. This step is added right before serving. So if you are serving this dessert at a dinner party, you can bake and chill the dessert a few days before the event. With all of the sugar choices out there, the best sugar to use make the caramelized top of your creme brulee is regular 'ole granulated sugar. Sprinkle a generous amount over the top of each ramekin then use a kitchen torch to gently heat it up to melt and brown.