Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine two luxurious desserts into one irresistible treat. With a creamy, velvety cheesecake base and a caramelized sugar topping reminiscent of classic crème brûlée, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion. They’re baked in a muffin tin, making them easy to serve and ideal for portion control.

Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself, these mini cheesecakes are a showstopper. The contrast of textures—the rich, creamy cheesecake against the crisp, caramelized sugar—is pure dessert bliss. Let’s dive into this elegant, decadent recipe that’s easier to make than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant and Decadent: Combines the best of cheesecake and crème brûlée in a single bite.
Perfect Portions: Baked in muffin tins for individual servings, making them ideal for parties.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, with the caramelized sugar topping added just before serving.
Versatile: Adjust flavors by adding vanilla bean, citrus zest, or spices to suit your taste.
Impressive Presentation: The golden caramelized sugar topping adds a professional, gourmet touch.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
Serving Size: 1 cheesecake

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 18g

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon or a small glass to press the mixture firmly into an even layer.
4. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) and mix until combined.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air.
4. Add the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix just until smooth.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

1. Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
3. Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature in the pan. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

1. Just before serving, remove the paper liners from the chilled cheesecakes.
2. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each cheesecake.
3. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Let the topping cool for 1–2 minutes to harden before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the mini cheesecakes on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch of the caramelized sugar with the creamy cheesecake filling.

Ingredient Background

Cream Cheese

The base of any great cheesecake, cream cheese provides a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.

Graham Cracker Crust

The buttery graham cracker crust adds a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast to the smooth cheesecake filling. You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for variation.

Vanilla

Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste enhances the flavor of the cheesecake, adding warmth and depth. Vanilla bean paste is especially luxurious, with visible flecks of vanilla seeds.

Granulated Sugar

The sugar in the topping caramelizes to create the signature crunchy layer of crème brûlée. A kitchen torch is the best tool for achieving this effect.

Technique Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the filling on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.

Use a Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier texture, place the muffin tin in a large baking dish filled with about 1 inch of hot water.

Caramelizing Sugar: Use a small, controlled flame and keep the torch moving to prevent burning the sugar topping.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Tartlets: Use tart pans or silicone molds instead of a muffin tin for a different shape and style.

Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate or Nutella on top of the crust before adding the cheesecake filling.

Fruit Topping: Skip the caramelized sugar and top the cheesecakes with a dollop of fruit compote or fresh fruit for a lighter option.

Layered Cheesecakes: Create layers by adding a thin layer of caramel or chocolate ganache between the crust and filling.

Additional Tips for Success

Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecakes to chill completely before adding the sugar topping. This ensures the filling is firm and holds up to the heat of the torch.

Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop to evenly divide the filling among the muffin cups for consistent sizes.

Store Properly: If making ahead, keep the cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the sugar topping just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Espresso Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Mix 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the filling for a coffee-infused twist.

Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the sugar topping for extra decadence.

Gingerbread Crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed gingerbread cookies for a holiday-inspired version.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store the cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving for the best texture.

Freezing: Freeze the baked and cooled cheesecakes (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap each cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before caramelizing the sugar and serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and fat.

Reduced Sugar: Substitute some of the sugar in the filling with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Nut-Based Crust: Replace the graham cracker crust with a mixture of almond flour, chopped nuts, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or oats for the crust to make the recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Dinner Party Dessert: Serve these cheesecakes on individual plates with a drizzle of raspberry coulis and a sprig of mint for an elegant finish.

Holiday Celebration: Add festive flair by sprinkling edible gold dust or topping with sugared cranberries.

Bridal Shower: Display the cheesecakes on a tiered dessert stand alongside macarons and cupcakes for a stunning dessert table.

Casual Gathering: Arrange the cheesecakes on a rustic wooden board with bowls of fresh berries for a relaxed yet sophisticated presentation.

Special Equipment

Muffin Tin: Standard-sized muffin tins are perfect for creating individual portions. Silicone molds can also be used for easy removal.

Kitchen Torch: Essential for caramelizing the sugar topping to achieve the signature crisp layer of crème brûlée.

Mixing Bowls: Use large bowls for the filling and crust to ensure even mixing.

Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer ensures a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter.

Piping Bag (Optional): Use a piping bag for neat and even filling of the muffin cups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cheesecakes without a torch?
   Yes, you can use the broiler in your oven to caramelize the sugar. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
2. What if I don’t have graham crackers?
   Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
3. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
   Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and let the cheesecakes cool gradually.
4. Can I flavor the filling?
   Absolutely! Add citrus zest, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the flavor.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, the cheesecakes can be made a day or two in advance. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for best results.
6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sugar topping may lose its crispness over time, so it’s best added fresh.
7. Can I use mini cupcake tins?
   Yes, you can! Adjust the baking time to about 10–15 minutes and reduce the filling amount accordingly.
8. How do I clean a kitchen torch?
   Let it cool completely, then wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue.

Conclusion

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the perfect blend of elegance, indulgence, and convenience. These bite-sized treats are ideal for any occasion, offering the creamy richness of cheesecake with the caramelized crunch of crème brûlée.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite!

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