Preheat the oven to 325°. Cut the beans in half longways and scrape out all of the seeds using a small knife. Transfer the seeds to a medium size sauce pot and pour in the heavy cream.
Cook the pot over low heat until scalded. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs and sugar until combined. Add in a small amount of the scalded cream to the egg-sugar mixture and whisk gently.
Put the tray onto the oven rack and pour in enough warm water to fill up the tray to the ½ way mark on the crème brulee ramekins. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes or until firm in the center.