Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these rich and creamy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth vanilla-infused cheesecake filling, and a perfectly caramelized sugar topping that mimics the classic crème brûlée finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each lined muffin cup to form the crust. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes to set.
- Make cheesecake batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Fill and bake: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared crust-lined muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake cupcakes to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours; this helps the cheesecake firm up for best texture.
- Create the brûlée topping: Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each chilled cheesecake cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crisp, forming the signature crème brûlée crust.
- Serve: Serve immediately after torching to enjoy the contrasting creamy and crunchy textures at their best.
Notes
- Use a good quality cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Don’t overbake the cupcakes to keep a creamy center.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place under a broiler briefly but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Chilling time is important, so plan ahead for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Crème brûlée cheesecake, cheesecake cupcakes, graham cracker crust, caramelized sugar topping, creamy dessert, baked cheesecake, individual cheesecakes
