Quick & Elegant Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini creme brulee cheesecakes bring an elegant twist to classic dessert indulgence that sparks culinary creativity.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with delicate caramelized sugar crusts.

Sweet dreams emerge from these petite delights that combine two beloved treats into one perfect bite.

Delicate ramekins showcase intricate layers of silky smoothness and crisp caramel tops.

Compact yet luxurious, each miniature dessert delivers sophisticated flavor without overwhelming complexity.

Compact portions mean you can savor decadence without guilt.

Crack through that glassy caramel surface and discover a world of delectable pleasure waiting just for you.

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Topped With Golden Crunch

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up these mini creme brulee cheesecakes in just 30 minutes of active preparation, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a gourmet treat without complex techniques.
• Portion-Perfect Indulgence: Individual serving sizes make these mini cheesecakes ideal for portion control, elegant parties, and easy sharing without cutting a large dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Contrast: Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake base with a crisp, caramelized sugar top that creates an exciting crunch with every delicate bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these cheesecakes a day in advance, allowing them to chill overnight, which makes them a stress-free dessert option for entertaining or special occasions.

What’s Inside Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Butter: A sweet and crunchy base that provides texture and holds the cheesecake together. Graham crackers add a classic flavor, while butter helps bind the ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: The creamy, rich foundation of the cheesecake that creates a smooth and luxurious texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best for a velvety result.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese. Granulated sugar is ideal for smooth incorporation.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly. Fresh, room-temperature eggs blend more easily.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky, light texture in the cheesecake filling.

• Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized top that adds a delightful crunch and golden color. Granulated sugar works perfectly for torching.

How You Can Whip Up Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm up your oven to 325°F.

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, creating a cozy home for your delectable treats.

Step 2: Craft the Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix these ingredients until they resemble damp beach sand.

Press about a spoonful of the mixture into each cupcake liner’s bottom.

Bake for 5 minutes, then let them cool and get crispy.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Crack eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in vanilla extract and heavy cream, blending until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create Cheesecake Magic

Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crusts, nearly reaching the top of each liner.

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

The centers should have a gentle wiggle when done.

Remove and let them cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Torch the Sweet Topping

After chilling, sprinkle a small amount of sugar on each cheesecake.

Grab a kitchen torch and carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let the topping set for a minute before serving these decadent mini desserts.

Cheesecake Tips For Creme Brulee Minis

• Avoid overmixing the batter and gently fold ingredients to keep the cheesecake smooth and crack-free.
• Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water in the oven to create a moist environment, preventing the cheesecake from drying out or cracking.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the cupcake liners for a compact, crisp base that holds together when eating.
• Hold the kitchen torch at a slight angle and move continuously to create an even, golden-brown caramel top without burning the sugar.
• Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 4 hours to allow them to set completely, developing a rich, creamy consistency and enhancing flavor.

Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Chill Smoothly

• Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If the caramel topping loses its crispness, use a kitchen torch to quickly re-caramelize the sugar just before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make the topping soggy.
• Remove cheesecakes from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

Rich Matches For Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

• Pair with Sweet Moscato Wine: Complement the creamy, rich dessert with a light, sweet Moscato d'Asti from Italy, which brings out the vanilla notes and balances the caramelized sugar topping.
• Match with Fresh Berry Coulis: Drizzle a homemade raspberry or strawberry coulis around the mini cheesecakes to add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, smooth texture.
• Serve with Espresso Shot: Enhance the dessert's decadence by pairing with a small, strong espresso that cuts through the creaminess and provides a robust flavor counterpoint.
• Garnish with Candied Almond Crumble: Sprinkle crispy, caramelized almond pieces around the plate to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that complements the cheesecake's smooth profile.

Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Remakes

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba. Top with coconut sugar for caramelization.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Create a nut-based crust using crushed pecans or almonds mixed with melted butter. Replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Use full-fat cream cheese and adjust baking time slightly.
• Fruit-Infused Version: Add fresh berry puree or lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a fruity flavor profile. Garnish with fresh berries or a fruit compote on top of the caramelized sugar layer for extra freshness.

FAQs

• How do I know if my cheesecakes are done baking?

Look for slightly jiggly centers that are set around the edges. They should not be completely firm when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.

• Can I make these mini cheesecakes without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the cheesecakes on the top rack and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest and richest texture. Philadelphia cream cheese is a reliable brand that works well in this recipe.

• Why is it important to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling. Mix each egg completely before adding the next one.

Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful mini creme brulee cheesecakes blend creamy cheesecake with classic French custard’s caramelized sugar crust. Rich, elegant desserts bring classic Paris patisserie magic right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish/Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners for the mini desserts.
2. Create the graham cracker base by thoroughly blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
3. Gently press approximately one tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each cupcake liner, forming a compact foundation.
4. Briefly toast the crust for 5 minutes, then allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
7. Fold in vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until the filling appears completely homogeneous.
8. Carefully distribute the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crusts, filling each liner nearly to its rim.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, looking for a subtle jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature.
11. Refrigerate the desserts for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
12. When ready to serve, generously dust approximately half a teaspoon of sugar atop each chilled cheesecake.
13. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown crust.
14. Let the caramelized topping solidify for a brief moment before presenting these elegant mini desserts.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies to make this dessert celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use a torch carefully and keep it moving to prevent burning the sugar topping, ensuring a perfect golden caramelized crust every time.
• Chill cheesecakes completely before torching to help maintain their smooth texture and prevent cracking during the caramelization process.
• Consider using mascarpone cheese alongside cream cheese for an extra rich and luxurious cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg