Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe: Decadent French-Inspired Dessert with Caramelized Sugar Topping
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic crème brûlée with these elegant mini desserts. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, these bite-sized treats feature a buttery crust, velvety vanilla filling, and a crisp caramelized sugar layer—all crafted with simple techniques and premium ingredients.
Ingredients (Makes 12 mini cheesecakes):
Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 sheets)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream (room temperature)
Topping:
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Directions:
Prep the Crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment liners.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tbsp sugar. Press 1 tbsp mixture firmly into each liner. Bake 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
Make the Filling:
Beat cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
Divide filling evenly among crusts, filling each ¾ full.
Bake & Chill:
Bake 18–20 minutes until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly. Cool in the pan for 1 hour, then refrigerate 2–4 hours (or overnight).
Caramelize the Sugar:
Sprinkle 1–2 tsp sugar over each chilled cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to melt sugar into a golden crust. Let harden 1–2 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling) | Kcal: ~280 per cheesecake
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a broiler instead of a torch?
Yes! Place sugared cheesecakes under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
How long do these keep?
Store undecorated cheesecakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add sugar topping just before serving.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust.
Why did my cheesecakes crack?
Avoid overmixing the batter, and cool them gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze unfilled crusts or undecorated cheesecakes for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Tools You’ll Need:
12-cup muffin tin
Parchment liners
Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Kitchen torch
Measuring cups/spoons
Tips:
Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture.
Let cheesecakes chill thoroughly for clean slicing.
For even caramelization, spread sugar in a thin, even layer before torching.
Allergy Information:
Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust and dairy-free cream cheese/sour cream.
Conclusion:
These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are a showstopping blend of rich flavor and effortless sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, their creamy texture and crackling sugar crust promise to delight. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your golden-topped creations—they’re almost too beautiful to eat! Share your results and savor the joy of mastering this timeless dessert duo.
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