Description
Luxurious creme brulee cheesecake marries classic French dessert elegance with creamy American cheesecake innovation. Caramelized sugar crust and silky cream cheese filling create an irresistible dessert experience you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelized top)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into the pan’s base. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth in a large mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate sugar, ensuring thorough blending.
- Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until uniform. Introduce eggs individually, gently stirring after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Integrate heavy cream and cornstarch, stirring until the mixture achieves a consistent, lump-free consistency.
- Gently transfer the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, distributing evenly. Sprinkle sugar across the surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center appears barely set but not completely firm.
- Switch off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing the dessert to set completely.
- Prior to serving, generously dust sugar across the top surface.
- Utilize a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh seasonal berries. Serve chilled and savor the decadent layers of flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and prevent cracking during baking.
- Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to help the cheesecake bake evenly and prevent surface cracks.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar under the broiler, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 434
- Sugar: 31.4 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 27.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.2 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 6.4 g
- Cholesterol: 139 mg