Creme Brulee Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake and the caramelized elegance of crème brûlée. This recipe combines ultra-creamy vanilla cheesecake with a crisp caramelized sugar topping, creating a show-stopping dessert that is rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Creme Brulee Cheesecake
This decadent cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you will absolutely love this recipe:
- It combines the best of two worlds: cheesecake and crème brûlée.
- Each bite offers a creamy texture paired with a crunchy caramelized sugar crust.
- This recipe features easy-to-follow steps for even novice bakers.
- Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day.
- It’s a unique cheesecake that stands out from traditional flavors.
- This Crème brûlée dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Being a vanilla bean cheesecake, it embraces the classic French flavor profile.
- With a rich cheesecake with caramel topping, it satisfies any sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Creme Brulee Cheesecake
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 32 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 vanilla bean pods
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp table salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
How to Make Creme Brulee Cheesecake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 325ºF.
- Step 2: Place the graham cracker in a food processor and process until you have fine crumbs.
- Step 3: Add the brown sugar and mix to combine.
- Step 4: Melt the butter, then add it to the crust mixture and mix to combine.
- Step 5: Press the mixture on the bottom of a springform pan, working the mixture half-way up the sides of the pan.
- Step 6: Wrap the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil, so the bottom of the pan is sealed.
- Step 7: Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.
- Step 9: Get a roasting pan large enough to fit the springform pan and set it on the center rack of the oven.
- Step 10: Add the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat at medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
- Step 11: Add the granulated sugar to the mixture.
- Step 12: Split the vanilla bean pods in half with a pairing knife and scrape the seeds into the mixture.
- Step 13: Beat the cream cheese, vanilla bean seeds, and sugar for 2 minutes at medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Step 14: Add the sour cream and mix to combine. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Step 15: Add the eggs one at a time to the bowl, mixing just enough to combine. Scrape the sides and bottom after each addition.
- Step 16: Add the vanilla extract, table salt, and mix just enough to combine.
- Step 17: Pour the batter into the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Step 18: Place the springform pan in the roasting pan and add enough hot water to create a water bath. This will help to keep the cheesecake from cracking.
- Step 19: Bake the cheesecake for 60 to 75 minutes.
- Step 20: When done baking, the cheesecake should jiggle slightly in the center, but the edges should look set.
- Step 21: Turn the oven off, and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour.
- Step 22: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Don’t remove the ring.
- Step 23: When the cheesecake has cooled, place it in the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours.
- Step 24: After chilling, remove the ring from the pan.
- Step 25: Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the cheesecake.
- Step 26: Use a kitchen torch on a low setting to caramelize the sugar. Do this slowly to keep the sugar from burning.
- Step 27: Use circular motion with the torch and keep it moving to ensure the entire surface caramelizes evenly.
- Step 28: Refrigerate the cheesecake until the surface hardens.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Ensure the water bath is properly prepared to prevent cracking.
- For a gourmet touch, try adding some citrus zest to the cheesecake mixture.
Best Ways to Serve Creme Brulee Cheesecake
Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair it with a fresh berry compote for a fruity contrast.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Creme Brulee Cheesecake
To store, refrigerate the cheesecake wrapped in plastic for up to 5 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, it’s perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better after a day in the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creme Brulee Cheesecake
What’s the secret to perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake?
The secret lies in maintaining a gentle baking process; using a water bath prevents the cheesecake from cracking and ensures a creamy texture. Learn more about the water bath technique here.
Can I make Creme Brulee Cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made up to a day in advance, making it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creme Brulee Cheesecake?
To avoid mistakes, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature and don’t rush the cooling process; patience is key for perfect results.
Variations of Creme Brulee Cheesecake You Can Try
Explore these fun twists:
- Try a chocolate swirl for a richer flavor.
- Add espresso for a coffee-infused cheesecake experience.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits like pumpkin or berries for a unique cheesecake flavor.
For those looking to enhance their baking skills, check out our latest recipes for more inspiration.
With a rich cheesecake with caramel topping, it satisfies any sweet tooth. For more dessert ideas, visit our creamy dessert recipes.
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Indulge in This Decadent Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Our crème brûlée cheesecake combines ultra-creamy vanilla cheesecake with a crisp caramelized sugar topping for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 32 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 vanilla bean pods
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp table salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 325ºF.
- Place the graham cracker in a food processor and process until you have fine crumbs.
- Add the brown sugar and mix to combine.
- Melt the butter, then add it to the crust mixture and mix to combine.
- Press the mixture on the bottom of a springform pan, working the mixture half-way up the sides of the pan.
- Wrap the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil, so the bottom of the pan is sealed.
- Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.
- Get a roasting pan large enough to fit the springform pan and set it on the center rack of the oven.
- Add the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat at medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar to the mixture.
- Split the vanilla bean pods in half with a pairing knife and scrape the seeds into the mixture.
- Beat the cream cheese, vanilla bean seeds, and sugar for 2 minutes at medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add the sour cream and mix to combine. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the bowl, mixing just enough to combine. Scrape the sides and bottom after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract, table salt, and mix just enough to combine.
- Pour the batter into the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Place the springform pan in the roasting pan and add enough hot water to create a water bath. This will help to keep the cheesecake from cracking.
- Bake the cheesecake for 60 to 75 minutes.
- When done baking, the cheesecake should jiggle slightly in the center, but the edges should look set.
- Turn the oven off, and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Don’t remove the ring.
- When the cheesecake has cooled, place it in the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours.
- After chilling, remove the ring from the pan.
- Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch on a low setting to caramelize the sugar. Do this slowly to keep the sugar from burning.
- Use a circular motion with the torch and keep it moving to ensure the entire surface caramelizes evenly.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake until the surface hardens.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 396 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creme Brulee Cheesecake










