Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are a decadent fusion of creamy cheesecake and the classic crème brûlée topping. These elegant cupcakes feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich vanilla bean-infused cheesecake filling, and a crisp caramelized sugar top. Perfect for special occasions or to impress guests with a sophisticated dessert that combines smooth texture and a satisfying crackle.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Liners: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Make the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form the base.
- Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Dairy and Flavorings: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and the batter is silky.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crusts, filling each liner about three-quarters full to allow room for slight rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are set but still have a slight jiggle, indicating a creamy consistency.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to properly set and chill.
- Caramelize the Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. Allow to cool for a minute to harden the sugar topping.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
- If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can broil the cupcakes in the oven for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe yields 12 cupcakes and can be doubled for larger batches.
- Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, add an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Vanilla bean cheesecake, crème brûlée cupcakes, graham cracker crust, caramelized sugar topping, elegant dessert, baked cheesecake cupcakes