The Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Creamy cheesecake meets classic creme brulee in a delightful cupcake adventure that promises pure indulgence.

Delicate flavors mingle inside these petite desserts, creating a sophisticated treat for any occasion.

Smooth cream cheese blends with rich custard notes, delivering an elegant twist on traditional favorites.

Caramelized sugar tops each miniature masterpiece, adding a crackling texture that delights the senses.

Small yet stunning, these cupcakes bring restaurant-quality dessert right to your kitchen counter.

Sweet lovers will fall head over heels for this decadent fusion of beloved desserts.

You can whip up these impressive little delicacies and become an instant dessert hero.

Ingredients Needed for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter, Melted: Creates a rich, cohesive texture for the graham cracker base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cupcakes their signature creamy and tangy cheesecake flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Provide structure and richness to the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the mixture.
• Salt: Helps to balance and intensify the other flavors in the filling.

• Super Fine Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized layer on top of the cupcakes, mimicking the classic creme brulee experience.

How to Make Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 275°F and grab a muffin tin. Line the tin with cupcake papers, creating cozy little homes for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Mix everything until it looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a solid foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Center

• Vanilla extract
• Whole egg
• Egg yolks
• Sour cream
• Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes ultra-smooth and dreamy, with no lumps in sight.

Step 4: Fill Those Cupcake Homes

Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into each lined cup. Fill them about three-quarters full, leaving a little space at the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the filling looks set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Transform into Creme Brulee Magic

Let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin. When cool, sprinkle a thin layer of super fine sugar on top of each cupcake.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, use the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Chill before serving for the ultimate creamy-crunchy experience.

Expert Tips for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Create a perfectly smooth cheesecake batter by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, which prevents lumps and guarantees a silky texture.
• Use a kitchen torch for precise caramelization, moving it slowly and evenly across the sugar to achieve that classic golden-brown crackle without burning.
• Prevent cracks in your cheesecake cupcakes by avoiding overmixing the batter and baking at a low temperature, which helps maintain a creamy, consistent consistency.
• Chill cupcakes thoroughly before caramelizing sugar to help them hold their shape and enhance the contrast between the cool filling and crisp caramel topping.
• Try flavor variations by adding a splash of bourbon, orange zest, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cheesecake batter for an unexpected twist.

Creative Twists on Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Crunch Cupcakes: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, creating a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the original texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Cupcakes: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the creamy cheesecake essence for health-conscious individuals.
• Vegan Coconut Cream Cupcakes: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, and flax egg replacements to transform the recipe into a plant-based version that delivers rich, decadent flavors without animal products.
• Mini Mediterranean Cupcakes: Incorporate ground pistachios into the crust and add a hint of orange blossom water to the filling, introducing a subtle Middle Eastern-inspired flavor variation that elevates the traditional recipe.

Pairing Ideas with Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Select a sweet Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the creamy, caramelized notes of the creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes.
• Choose a demi-sec or rosé champagne that provides crisp bubbles and subtle sweetness to balance the rich, decadent dessert.
• Serve alongside a small plate of fresh raspberries or strawberries to cut through the richness and add a bright, tangy contrast to the cupcakes.
• Add a small side of toasted almond slivers or candied pecans to introduce a crunchy texture that echoes the caramelized sugar topping.

Storing Guidelines for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the caramelized sugar topping's crispness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheating Caramel Top: Gently torch the sugar surface again just before serving to restore the crispy caramelized layer. Avoid microwaving, which will soften the delicate sugar crust.
• Room Temperature: Remove cupcakes from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to slightly warm and achieve optimal creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes the crust stick together in this recipe?

The combination of crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter creates a perfect binding mixture that holds the crust together when pressed firmly into the cupcake liners.

• Why do I need to use sour cream in the cheesecake filling?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake filling, helping to create a smoother, creamier texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.

• Is a kitchen torch necessary for caramelizing the sugar?

While a kitchen torch provides the most precise caramelization, you can also use the broiler in your oven. Just be sure to watch carefully to prevent burning and rotate the cupcakes for even caramelization.

Reasons to Enjoy Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Craft Culinary Delight: These cupcakes blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic crème brûlée's caramelized sugar top, creating an irresistible dessert that elevates traditional treats.
• Master Impressive Technique: The recipe introduces home bakers to professional-level skills like using a kitchen torch or broiling, allowing anyone to create restaurant-quality desserts with minimal professional training.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: These individual-sized cupcakes offer elegant presentation and portion control, making them ideal for gatherings, dinner parties, or special celebrations where guests appreciate sophisticated desserts.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize these cupcakes by adding flavor variations like adding lemon zest, experimenting with different graham cracker crusts, or garnishing with fresh berries for extra visual appeal.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Silky creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend French elegance with American comfort. Caramelized sugar tops delicate cream cheese filling, offering a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/3 cup (70 g) super fine sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 9 graham crackers (finely crushed, equivalent to 1 sleeve)
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin, preparing the baking surface for the dessert.
2. Create the crust by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner, forming a compact base.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Incorporate vanilla extract, whole egg, additional egg yolks, sour cream, and a subtle salt seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gently distribute the cheesecake batter into each prepared cupcake liner, filling approximately three-quarters of each liner’s volume to allow room for potential rising.
5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Verify doneness by checking that the filling is set and appears slightly firm when gently nudged.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely within the tin, then carefully remove from wrappers. Sprinkle superfine sugar across the surface of each cupcake.
7. Caramelize the sugar topping using a kitchen torch, moving continuously to create an even golden-brown crust. Alternatively, broil briefly in the oven, rotating to prevent burning. Refrigerate before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Experiment with different graham cracker flavors like chocolate or cinnamon to add a unique twist to the crust.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling.
• Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracking and create a silky texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 107 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg