Dreamy Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Whipping up a decadent vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcake promises pure culinary magic.

Creamy textures merge with classic French dessert inspirations.

Sweet memories dance across delicate surfaces, blending rich cream cheese with elegant custard notes.

Delicate crackled sugar tops each miniature masterpiece, promising sophisticated flavor experiences.

Silky smooth fillings nestle inside tender cake foundations.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these cupcakes invite you to indulge in a luxurious dessert adventure.

Savor every extraordinary bite of this irresistible confection.

Why People Crave Creme Brulee Cupcakes

• Craft a Luxurious Dessert: Elevate your baking game with these sophisticated mini cheesecakes that combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic creme brulee crunch.
• Perfect for Special Gatherings: Impress guests at dinner parties, bridal showers, or elegant celebrations with these stunning individual desserts that look professionally made.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking Challenge: Master a gourmet dessert technique with simple steps that require minimal baking skills, making it an exciting project for home bakers looking to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe for different occasions by varying toppings or serving styles, ensuring these cupcakes become a versatile dessert in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Creme Brulee Cupcakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a buttery and sweet foundation for the cheesecake cupcakes.
• Sugar, Butter: Help bind the crust and create a delicious, crisp texture.

• Cream Cheese: The main component that gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Provide structure and richness to the cheesecake filling.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the smooth and luxurious texture of the filling.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Offers a deep, authentic vanilla flavor with visible vanilla specks.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates the signature crispy, caramelized top that cracks when tapped, mimicking a classic creme brulee.

Instructions to Bake Creme Brulee Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Delicious Crust

Warm up your oven to 325F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into each liner. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 5 minutes.

Let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Beat until silky smooth.

• Whole egg
• Egg yolk
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla bean paste

Mix carefully to avoid overmixing. Distribute the batter evenly over the cooled crusts.

Slide into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Look for set edges with a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and let them rest for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Create Caramelized Creme Brulee Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar over each cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and develops a crispy top.

Let the cupcakes sit for a minute to allow the sugar to harden.

Tips for Better Creme Brulee Cupcakes

• Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without surface cracks.
• Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches from sugar, move constantly to create even caramelization without burning.
• Refrigerate cheesecakes at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve ideal firm consistency.
• Watch carefully during baking; remove when edges are set but centers slightly jiggle to prevent dry, tough texture.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable base for your cheesecake cupcakes.

Variations for Creme Brulee Cupcakes You Can Try

• Citrus Zinger: Replace vanilla bean paste with lemon or orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that cuts through the rich cheesecake base.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Mix cocoa powder into the graham cracker crust and add melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a decadent chocolate version.
• Seasonal Berry Burst: Top the chilled cheesecake cupcakes with fresh raspberry or strawberry compote before caramelizing the sugar for a fruity summer twist.
• Spiced Chai Charm: Incorporate ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger into the cheesecake batter for a warm, aromatic chai-inspired dessert that brings cozy flavors to the classic recipe.

Tasty Pairings for Creme Brulee Cupcakes

• Pair with Decadent Dessert Wines: Select sweet, rich wines like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that complement the creamy vanilla and caramelized sugar notes.
• Enhance with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries to cut through the richness and add a bright, tangy contrast to the dessert.
• Match with Smooth Coffee: Serve with a velvety espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and provide a warm, aromatic counterpoint to the cool cheesecake.
• Elevate with Champagne: Pour a crisp, dry champagne to cleanse the palate and add a celebratory touch that highlights the dessert's luxurious texture.

How to Store Creme Brulee Cupcakes

Seal cupcakes in an airtight container and store for up to 5 days. Keep them flat to preserve the delicate creme brulee topping.

Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

For best texture, enjoy chilled. If you prefer slightly warmer, let cupcakes sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the crispy caramel layer.

If the caramel becomes soft during storage, quickly torch the sugar again just before serving to restore the crispy, golden crust.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the unique flavor of this dessert?

Vanilla bean paste and heavy cream create a rich, luxurious taste that elevates the traditional cheesecake into an elegant, gourmet treat.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cupcakes?

A kitchen torch is recommended for the creme brulee topping, but you can also use the broiler setting in your oven to caramelize the sugar if you don’t have a torch.

• Can I prepare these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can make the cheesecake cupcakes a day ahead and refrigerate them. Just add the caramelized sugar topping right before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes offer a luxurious French-inspired dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with caramelized sugar perfection. Sweet sophistication meets classic comfort in these mini delights you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

Topping:

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• Fresh berries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the muffin tin by lining with cupcake liners and heating the oven to 325F (160C) for the graham cracker crust.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform mixture.
3. Distribute the crust mixture evenly into each cupcake liner, pressing firmly to create a compact base. Bake for 5 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
5. Gently incorporate egg, egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla bean paste into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix the batter.
6. Carefully portion the cheesecake batter over the cooled crusts, ensuring even distribution.
7. Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake cupcakes for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to set fully.
10. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar across the top of each chilled cupcake.
11. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crisp, glassy surface.
12. Let the caramelized sugar harden for approximately one minute before serving.

Notes

• Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth cheesecake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles and maintain a dense, creamy consistency.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place cupcakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar topping, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg