Introduction
These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the caramelized, crackly top of crème brûlée. They’re a perfect individual-sized dessert that’s elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla bean paste, sour cream, flour, and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the centers are just set.
- Let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Caramelize the Sugar Topping
- Before serving, sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar over each cheesecake.
- Using a kitchen torch, melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp.
- Let the caramelized topping cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Cupcakes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.
- Bake in a water bath by placing a pan of hot water in the oven to prevent cracks.
- Chill thoroughly before caramelizing the sugar to help the topping set properly.
- No torch? You can caramelize the sugar under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Variations
Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter for a rich chocolate twist.
- Use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for the crust.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes
- Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the finished cupcakes before serving.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the brûlée topping for a sweet-salty balance.
Berry Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes
- Add a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry preserves before baking for a fruity surprise.
- Garnish with fresh berries after caramelizing the sugar topping.
Conclusion
These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are an irresistible fusion of cheesecake and crème brûlée. They’re perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a fancy yet easy-to-make dessert. Enjoy their creamy, vanilla-infused filling and the satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar topping!
Would you like more mini dessert recipes? Let us know! 😊
