Description
These Decadent Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the rich caramelized topping of crème brûlée. Each cupcake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth vanilla bean-infused cheesecake filling, and a crisp caramelized sugar topping, making them perfect for an elegant dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 3 large eggs
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
Topping
- Turbinado sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with parchment liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press approximately one tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each lined muffin cup to form the crust.
- Bake crust: Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and allow them to cool completely.
- Make cheesecake batter: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, vanilla bean paste, and heavy cream, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the batter, mixing gently after each addition to avoid over-beating and keep the batter smooth.
- Fill cupcake liners: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crusts, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until the cupcakes are set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. After baking, cool the cupcakes to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to fully set.
- Caramelize topping: Before serving, sprinkle turbinado sugar evenly over the tops of each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch or set under a broiler to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust characteristic of crème brûlée.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- The slight jiggle in the cheesecake center indicates perfect doneness to prevent cracks and overbaking.
- Use a kitchen torch for even caramelization; a broiler can work but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Refrigeration time is critical for the cheesecake to firm up properly before caramelizing the sugar topping.
- Vanilla bean paste can be substituted with high-quality vanilla extract if unavailable, but paste adds a richer flavor and visual specks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
