Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes. Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the classic caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée, these cupcakes are a decadent treat that will impress at any gathering. Perfectly portioned and bursting with vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their golden, crackling tops. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a crème brûlée enthusiast, this recipe brings the best of both worlds into one delightful bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
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- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
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- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for the crust and cheesecake filling.
2. Prepare the Crust
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- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Use the back of a spoon to compact the crumbs firmly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
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- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and the batter is velvety.
4. Fill the Cupcakes
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- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in each cupcake liner, filling them about 3/4 full to allow room for expansion during baking.
5. Bake
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- Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers of the cupcakes are set and the tops are slightly puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
6. Add the Crème Brûlée Topping
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- Just before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each chilled cupcake.
- Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar, melting it until it turns a deep amber color. Let the sugar harden for a few minutes to achieve the signature crunchy top.
7. Serve
- Serve these exquisite Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes chilled, allowing the creamy filling and crisp caramelized sugar topping to shine. Enjoy every luxurious bite!
Notes
Serving Tips
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- Chilled Perfection: These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are best served chilled. The contrast between the cool, creamy cheesecake and the crunchy, caramelized sugar topping creates a delightful experience.
- Garnish for Elegance: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the cupcakes with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of mint. You can also dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty presentation.
- Pair with Beverages: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or even a warm tea. The rich flavors of the cupcakes complement the warmth and richness of these beverages, making for a luxurious treat.
Storage Tips
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- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them chilled to maintain the creamy texture and to prevent the sugar topping from softening.
- Freezing: To freeze the cupcakes, skip the caramelized sugar topping and place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight, then add the sugar topping and caramelize just before serving.
- Reheating the Topping: If the caramelized sugar topping loses its crunch after refrigeration, you can refresh it by quickly torching it again just before serving. This will help restore the crisp texture without affecting the cheesecake.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy these decadent Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes at their best, whether you’re serving them fresh or savoring them later.
