If you love the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake combined with the caramelized crisp top of classic crème brûlée, you are in for an absolute treat with this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe. These little indulgent cupcakes bring the best of both worlds into a perfectly portioned dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Imagine biting into a smooth, velvety cheesecake sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust, crowned with a delicate, crackling sugar crust that adds a delightful contrast in texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to impress friends with something truly spectacular, this recipe hits every note of sweet satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a key role—from the crunchy base to the creamy filling and the sweet, caramelized finish—ensuring each cupcake delights your senses with perfect balance.
- Graham crackers, finely crushed: Provides a crisp, buttery foundation that holds the cheesecake firmly in place.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps build the crust and filling layers with even sweetness throughout.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together while adding richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates the smooth, rich body of the cheesecake filling — be sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor of the filling.
- Eggs and egg yolks: Essential for structure and creaminess in the cheesecake, helping it set perfectly.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness and keeping the texture silky.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors, acting like a flavor magnifier.
- Superfine sugar: Perfect for sprinkling on top and caramelizing into a crispy brûlée crust.
How to Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Mix together the finely crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about one tablespoon of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a sturdy crust. Bake these for 8 minutes to toast the crust, then set them aside to cool. This step ensures the crust stays crisp and flavorful underneath the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until completely smooth and lump-free. This creates the luscious base of your cheesecake. Add vanilla extract for a fragrant depth, then incorporate eggs and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in to provide structure and silkiness. Finally, fold in sour cream and a pinch of salt for moisture and a balanced tang. The resulting batter should be velvety and rich, ready to be poured over the crusts.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cupcakes
Divide your cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared crust-lined muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly, with edges beginning to puff. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. At this point, refrigerate the cupcakes for at least 2 hours; chilling is crucial as it helps the cheesecake firm up beautifully for the finishing touch.
Step 4: Brûlée the Topping
Once chilled, sprinkle a thin, even layer of superfine sugar on top of each cupcake. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts into a golden amber crust, crisp to the touch. This signature brûlée topping adds that iconic crackle and a hint of smoky caramel flavor that turns these cupcakes into a show-stopping dessert. Let the sugar harden for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
A classic garnish to accompany these cupcakes is a few fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries, whose bright tartness contrasts deliciously with the rich creaminess. A sprig of mint can add a fresh zing and a pop of color, giving your presentation a polished, elegant look that mimics a pastry shop feel at home.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe alongside a light, fruity sorbet or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold creaminess and refreshing taste of the sorbet can provide a lovely balance, preventing the dessert from feeling too heavy while enhancing the overall experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, try serving these cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce or fresh whipped cream for dipping and topping. Or place them in delicate cupcake wrappers with decorative picks to make them perfect for parties or gift-giving. You can even experiment with flavored brûlée toppings by adding a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder to the sugar before torching for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cheesecake cupcakes are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping them chilled not only maintains the texture but also keeps the brûlée topping crisp and crackly. Avoid stacking them to preserve the caramelized sugar layer.
Freezing
You can freeze these delightful cupcakes without the brûlée topping for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake individually with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-torch the topping before serving for that perfect caramelized crunch.
Reheating
Since the brûlée crust is delicate, avoid microwaving your cupcakes which can soften the sugar layer. Instead, bring them to room temperature after refrigerating, then carefully re-caramelize the top with your torch to refresh the crispness. This will revive the signature crackly texture and keep your cupcakes tasting fresh and indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made graham cracker crumbs for the crust?
Absolutely! Pre-made graham cracker crumbs work perfectly and save prep time. Just ensure you measure about 1 cup to maintain the right crust consistency for your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for the brûlée topping?
No worries! You can use your broiler by placing the cupcakes on the top rack of your oven for a few minutes and watching closely. Rotate if needed to caramelize the sugar evenly but be careful not to burn the topping.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?
Modifying this recipe for vegan or dairy-free requirements would need some experimentation with cream cheese and sour cream substitutes, as well as egg replacements. While possible, the texture and flavor of the Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe may differ significantly.
What is superfine sugar, and can I substitute regular sugar?
Superfine sugar dissolves quickly and caramelizes smoothly, giving the best brûlée crust. If you don’t have it, pulse regular granulated sugar in a blender briefly to reduce the grain size or use granulated sugar directly but be aware the crust might be less uniform.
How long do I need to chill the cupcakes before brûlée topping?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is important for the filling to fully set and hold its shape. This ensures that when you torch the sugar for the Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe, the heat won’t affect the creamy center beneath.
Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe is truly a celebration of texture and flavor, combining smooth cheesecake with a crispy caramel topping in a fun, individual size. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful look and taste of a professional dessert right at home. Whether for a special gathering or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cupcakes are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 53 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the rich creaminess of traditional cheesecake with the caramelized, crispy sugar topping of crème brûlée. These individual-sized desserts feature a graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, and a perfectly torched caramelized sugar top, making them an elegant and delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 9 graham crackers, finely crushed (about 1 cup)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup sour cream
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- ⅓ cup superfine sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press about 1 tablespoon of this mixture evenly into the bottom of each lined muffin cup to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the crusts for 8 minutes. Once baked, remove and allow them to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Then, add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream and a pinch of salt until the batter is completely smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly divide the cheesecake filling among the prepared crusts in the muffin tin. Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the centers are just set and the edges are slightly puffed. Remove the cupcakes from the oven, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, place the cheesecake cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully set and chill.
- Brûlée the Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle each cupcake evenly with the superfine sugar. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar, creating a golden, crispy topping reminiscent of classic crème brûlée. Allow the sugar to harden before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is well softened for the smoothest batter.
- Press the crust firmly into the cups to avoid crumbling.
- Use a kitchen torch carefully to evenly caramelize without burning the sugar.
- These cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Superfine sugar works best for caramelizing; regular granulated sugar may not melt as evenly.
