Indulge in the fusion of creme brûlée and cheesecake with these Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes! Main ingredients include graham crackers, butter, cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and sugar.
Growing up, I was always the family’s designated dessert enthusiast. When I stumbled upon this recipe for Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes, it was a game-changer. Combining my love for the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the iconic caramelized sugar top of creme brûlée, these cupcakes quickly became my signature dessert at family gatherings. I still remember the first time I made them: the kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of baking, and the suspense of caramelizing the sugar tops was almost too much to bear. The result was magical – a perfect blend of two classic desserts that always brings back memories of shared laughter and sweet indulgence.
Why You’ll Love Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes
The Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are a dessert aficionado’s dream! They uniquely blend the creamy, tangy taste of cheesecake with the sweet, caramelized finish of creme brûlée. This recipe is a time-saver, requiring only 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for those who love the idea of making individual servings, ensuring each cupcake is as perfectly crafted as the last. Plus, the use of a kitchen torch for caramelization adds an element of culinary flair to the baking experience!
Ingredients Notes:
Crafting Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes calls for a balance of simple yet high-quality ingredients.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Opt for fresh, quality graham crackers for a crisp and buttery base.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is key for that rich, smooth texture.
- Eggs: Ensure they’re at room temperature for seamless blending.
- Super Fine Sugar: This is essential for achieving that signature creme brûlée crust.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tanginess, enhancing the cheesecake’s flavor profile.
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Recipe Steps:
Creating these cupcakes is a journey of blending, baking, and caramelizing to perfection.
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your muffin tin with liners.
- Crust Creation: Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter, then press into the liners. This base should be firm and even.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add vanilla, eggs, sour cream, and salt. Aim for a creamy, lump-free mixture.
- Assembling: Spoon the batter into the liners, filling them ¾ full to allow for expansion.
- Baking: Bake until the filling sets, then cool in the tin to maintain shape.
- Caramelization: Sprinkle sugar and caramelize with a torch or broiler for that classic brûlée crunch.
Storage Options:
Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them without the caramelized sugar top. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add sugar, and caramelize for that fresh-made taste!
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is versatile, allowing for creative twists!
- Crust Variations: Substitute graham crackers with crushed cookies or ginger snaps for a different flavor base.
- Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Flavor Twists: Add lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon to the filling for a unique flavor profile.
- Sugar Alternatives: Try brown sugar or honey in the crust for a deeper sweetness.
Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 9 graham crackers finely crushed (equivalent to 1 sleeve)
- 6 tablespoons of butter melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup of super fine sugar
Instructions
- Preheating and Preparation: Begin by preheating the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Proceed to line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for later use.
- Crust Formation: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir these ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Then, evenly distribute this mixture among the cupcake liners, pressing it firmly to form the base of the crust.
- Cheesecake Filling Preparation: In a large bowl, commence by beating the cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency. Subsequently, integrate the vanilla extract, egg, egg yolks, sour cream, and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Continue to beat these ingredients until they are well combined and the texture is smooth.
- Filling the Cupcake Liners: Carefully spoon the cheesecake batter into each cupcake liner. Ensure that each liner is filled to approximately three-quarters of its capacity.
- Baking: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for a duration of 22 to 25 minutes. The filling should be set upon completion. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely within the tin before proceeding to the next step.
- Finalizing the Cupcakes: After the cupcakes have cooled, remove them from their wrappers. Sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of super fine sugar atop each cupcake. Utilize a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. Alternatively, place the cupcakes on a tray and broil in the oven, ensuring to watch closely and rotate as necessary until the sugar caramelizes. Serve the cupcakes chilled.
