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Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

These individual cheesecake cupcakes combine the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the signature caramelized sugar crust of crème brûlée, enhanced by real vanilla bean for an elegant dessert.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 graham crackers, finely crushed
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/3 cup superfine sugar (for caramelizing topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form the crust.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add vanilla bean paste, egg, egg yolks, sour cream, and salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Spoon the cheesecake batter over the crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still slightly jiggle.
  7. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon superfine sugar evenly over each cupcake top.
  9. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar melts and forms a golden-brown crust. Alternatively, broil briefly watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese and room temperature eggs for the best texture. The caramelized sugar topping is best done just before serving to maintain its crispness. If you don’t have superfine sugar, pulse granulated sugar in a blender briefly to achieve a finer texture.

  • Author: Sophie Lane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg