Description
These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the caramelized sugar crunch of crème brûlée, all in delightful cupcake form. Infused with real vanilla bean and topped with a golden brûléed crust, these bite-sized desserts are elegant, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make. They are perfect for holidays, parties, or as a gourmet treat at home.
Ingredients
- For the Cheesecake Cupcakes:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the crust (optional): Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press 1 tablespoon into each cupcake liner and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Fill and bake: Line a muffin pan and fill each liner about 3/4 full. Bake at 325°F for 18–22 minutes or until centers are set but slightly jiggly. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Brûlée the tops: Before serving, sprinkle each cupcake with a thin layer of sugar. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.
- Don’t overbake—the centers should still jiggle slightly.
- Chill completely before adding the brûlée topping.
- If you don’t have a torch, use your oven broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Add sugar and caramelize only before serving to keep the top crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes, Cheesecake
- Method: Baked, Brûléed
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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