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Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

The Magic of Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes


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  • Author: Amanda Thompson
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the caramelized sugar topping of classic crème brûlée. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety vanilla custard filling, and a crackly caramelized top, these mini cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any dessert lover.


Ingredients

Scale
For the Crust:
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp salt
For the Caramelized Topping:
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Divide mixture evenly into the muffin cups, pressing firmly to form a crust.
  4. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add egg, egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt, mixing until creamy.
  3. Pour the filling evenly over the crusts, filling each about ¾ full.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes

  1. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until centers are just set.
  2. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Caramelize the Tops

  1. Just before serving, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sugar on each cheesecake.
  2. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crackly.
    • If you don’t have a torch, broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  3. Let cool for a minute before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust.
  • Use superfine sugar for an even caramelized topping.
  • Make ahead: Store cheesecakes (without caramelized tops) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American