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
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Divide mixture evenly into the muffin cups, pressing firmly to form a crust.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt, mixing until creamy.
- Pour the filling evenly over the crusts, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until centers are just set.
- 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
- Just before serving, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sugar on each cheesecake.
- 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.
- 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