Description
Get ready to indulge with these irresistible Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes! Perfectly creamy and topped with a marvelous caramelized crunch, they’re the ultimate sweet treat to satisfy your dessert dreams. Trust us; you’ll want more than one!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each liner to form a crust.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, blending well after each addition. Gently fold in the heavy cream until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Fill each cupcake liner three-quarters full with the cheesecake batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly jiggly. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 7: Prepare the Crème Brûlée Topping
Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and bubbly. Alternatively, place them under a broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve the Cupcakes
Let the sugar harden for a few moments, then enjoy your luscious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes!
Notes
Tip for Crust
Ensure the graham cracker mixture is packed tightly in each cupcake liner for a strong base.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure the cream cheese is softened fully to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
Cooling Time
Do not skip the cooling and refrigeration step, as it helps the cupcakes set properly.
Caramelizing Sugar
For best results, caramelize the sugar just before serving to maintain the crunchy texture on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes