The Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Delicate creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend two classic desserts into one irresistible treat.

Sweet memories of Paris dance across my taste buds whenever I make these delightful miniature delicacies.

Creamy cheesecake layers nestle beneath a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that cracks with the gentlest tap.

Rich vanilla notes mingle with smooth cream cheese, creating a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

Elegant yet approachable, these cupcakes transform an ordinary afternoon into a gourmet experience.

Baking these little miracles requires patience and a touch of culinary magic.

Come join me in making something truly spectacular that will impress everyone at the table.

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes That Feel Luxurious

• Celebrate Easy Elegance: Indulge in a dessert that transforms ordinary baking into a gourmet experience without complex techniques.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these impressive cupcakes in under an hour of active preparation, perfect for busy home bakers seeking restaurant-quality results.
• Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Designed to wow guests with minimal effort, these cupcakes blend classic creme brulee and cheesecake flavors that appeal to multiple dessert lovers.
• Customizable Creativity: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different graham cracker variations or adding subtle flavor extracts to personalize your culinary creation.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcake Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that provides crunch and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Butter (Melted): Helps create a cohesive and crisp crust with rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base that gives the cupcakes their signature tangy and rich texture.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dessert.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a smoother, more tender cheesecake texture.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating a stable, silky cheesecake filling.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a classic crisp and caramelized top with a golden-brown crunch.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Holiday Baking Method

Step 1: Create Buttery Crust Base

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Grab your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

Mix these ingredients until crumbs look evenly coated and slightly damp.

Gently spoon one tablespoon of the mixture into each liner, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon to create a solid foundation.

Bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Silky Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until ultra-smooth and creamy.

Pour in vanilla extract and sour cream, continuing to mix until perfectly combined.

Add eggs one at a time, gently incorporating each before adding the next.

Mix carefully to maintain a light, airy texture without overmixing.

Step 3: Fill and Bake Cupcakes

Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crusts, filling each liner almost to the top.

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Look for centers that are just set – they should have a slight jiggle but not appear liquid.

Remove from oven and let cool completely inside the tin.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.

Step 4: Torch Caramel Topping

Once cheesecake cupcakes are fully chilled, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar across the top of each cupcake.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving slowly to create a golden-brown, crackling surface.

No torch?

Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a few minutes.

Serve immediately to experience the perfect contrast between creamy cheesecake and crisp caramel topping.

These cupcakes are best enjoyed on the day they’re made for maximum crunch and flavor.

Holiday Tips for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won't crumble when serving the cupcakes.
• Beat cream cheese mixture gently and avoid overmixing to ensure a smooth, crack-free surface that looks professionally made.
• Watch cheesecake cupcakes closely during baking, removing them when centers are slightly jiggly to guarantee a creamy, not dry texture.
• Hold kitchen torch at a consistent distance and move steadily to achieve an even, golden-brown caramelized sugar topping without burning.
• Refrigerate cupcakes for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and achieve the ideal dense, creamy consistency.

Creme Brulee Cupcakes Storage

• Store these delightful cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover each cupcake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the caramelized topping from getting soggy.
• Wrap individual cheesecake cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid microwaving, as it will ruin the delicate texture. Instead, let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore their creamy consistency and crisp caramel topping.
• If the caramel top becomes soft, quickly re-caramelize with a kitchen torch just before serving to restore that signature crunchy layer.

Cheesecake Cupcakes Go Best With These

• Pair Creamy Caramel Dessert Wine: Sweet moscato or port wine perfectly complements the rich, custardy texture of these creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes, enhancing the caramelized sugar topping.
• Serve Chocolate-Coated Almond Accompaniment: Crisp dark chocolate-covered almonds provide a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the smooth, velvety cheesecake, creating a balanced flavor experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Espresso: A small shot of vanilla-infused espresso cuts through the dessert's richness, offering a bold flavor that highlights the cupcake's delicate vanilla undertones and caramelized sugar notes.
• Garnish with Fresh Berry Coulis: A light raspberry or strawberry sauce drizzled alongside adds a tangy, bright element that refreshes the palate and complements the creamy, sweet cheesecake profile.

Cheesecake Cupcakes With Creme Brulee Flavors To Explore

• Gluten-Free Crust Variation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to create a celiac-friendly base that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Cheesecake Option: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a rich, lactose-free dessert that still delivers creamy indulgence.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia in both crust and filling, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the classic creme brulee cheesecake profile.
• Vegan Cheesecake Transformation: Use silken tofu, vegan cream cheese, and coconut cream as base ingredients, with cornstarch as egg replacement to create a plant-based version that captures the original recipe's luxurious essence.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cheesecake cupcakes from cracking?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake in a water bath or with a pan of water in the oven to create humidity and prevent cracks.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.

• What if I don't have a kitchen torch?

You can use your oven’s broiler. Place the cupcakes 3-4 inches from the broiler and watch carefully, rotating the pan to ensure even caramelization. It typically takes 1-2 minutes.

• Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes blend French pastry elegance with classic American dessert charm. Creamy cheesecake topped with caramelized sugar creates a delightful fusion you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups (354 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream

Creme Brulee Topping:

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation for your cupcakes by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into cupcake liners, creating a compact base that will support the creamy filling.
3. Toast the crust briefly in a preheated oven to enhance its nutty flavor and create structural integrity.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until luxuriously smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
5. Gradually incorporate sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and uniform in texture.
6. Gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, ensuring a delicate incorporation that maintains the mixture’s airiness.
7. Add eggs one at a time, blending carefully to preserve the filling’s delicate consistency without overworking the batter.
8. Distribute the velvety cheesecake mixture evenly across the prepared crusts, filling each liner almost to its brim.
9. Bake until the centers display a gentle wobble, signaling a perfectly creamy interior.
10. Chill the cupcakes thoroughly, allowing them to set and develop a rich, dense texture.
11. Before serving, dust the surface with a fine layer of granulated sugar, creating a canvas for caramelization.
12. Use a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a glistening, amber-hued crust, or carefully broil for a similar effect.
13. Allow the caramel to crystallize momentarily, creating a satisfying crack when first pierced with a spoon.
14. Serve immediately to experience the ultimate contrast between crisp caramel and luscious cheesecake.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends effortlessly.
• Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing and baking the cupcakes in a water bath, which creates a gentle, even heat environment.
• Create flavor variations by adding orange zest, lavender, or a splash of liqueur to the cheesecake mixture for an unexpected twist.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg