Creme Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Dreamers

Whipping up these delectable creme brulee cupcakes promises a decadent twist on a classic French dessert.

Sweet memories of caramelized sugar dance alongside creamy vanilla notes in every delightful bite.

Delicate cupcake textures merge seamlessly with traditional creme brulee’s rich custard core.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark joy in each carefully crafted morsel.

Kitchen adventures await when you experiment with this elegant fusion of traditional techniques and modern baking creativity.

Culinary magic happens when familiar favorites get a playful reimagining.

Crack through the caramelized top and savor pure indulgence that will leave you craving more.

Creme Brulee Cupcakes You’ll Want Again and Again

• Quick and Fancy Treat
• Transform classic cupcakes into a sophisticated French-inspired dessert with minimal extra effort, making gourmet baking accessible for home cooks.
• Combine soft, tender cupcake with silky smooth custard and crack-worthy caramelized sugar top, delivering a multi-layered sensory experience in every bite.
• Create restaurant-quality dessert that looks complicated but requires basic baking skills, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or special celebrations.
• Prepare cupcake components in advance, filling and torching just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and that signature crispy caramel crunch.

Creme Brulee Cupcakes Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cupcake base.
• Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Sugar: Create a rich, tender cupcake with creamy sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor and aromatic depth.
• Milk: Provides moisture and softens the cupcake texture.

• Egg Yolks, Sugar, Cornstarch: Essential for creating smooth, thick custard filling.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps develop custard consistency.
• Butter: Enriches custard with a silky, luxurious texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives warm, classic flavor to the custard.

• Sugar: Creates the signature crispy, caramelized crust on top of the cupcake.

How to Prepare Creme Brulee Cupcakes Smoothly

Step 1: Prepare Cupcake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gently mix in eggs one at a time, then splash in vanilla extract. Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the mixture, creating a smooth batter. Pour the mixture evenly into cupcake liners. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 2: Create Silky Custard Filling

Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan until perfectly smooth. Gently heat milk in a separate pan until warm. Slowly stream warm milk into egg mixture, stirring continuously. Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla and butter. Let custard cool completely, then transfer to a piping bag.

Step 3: Fill Cupcake Centers

Using a knife or cupcake corer, create a small cavity in each cupcake. Pipe the creamy custard generously into each cupcake center.

Step 4: Torch the Caramel Topping

Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Enjoy these decadent cupcakes immediately to experience the perfect crunch of caramelized sugar!

Tips to Torch the Tops of Creme Brulee Cupcakes Just Right

• Precise Ingredient Measurement: Use exact measurements for foolproof results, as baking requires precision for perfect texture and taste.
• Smooth Custard Technique: Whisk egg yolks continuously while adding warm milk to prevent scrambling and ensure a silky-smooth filling.
• Proper Cooling Method: Allow cupcakes and custard to cool completely before filling to maintain structural integrity and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Torch Caramelization Trick: Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches away from sugar surface and move constantly for even, golden-brown caramelization without burning.
• Make-Ahead Storage: Prepare cupcakes and custard separately, storing them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness up to 2 days before final assembly.

How to Handle Leftover Creme Brulee Cupcakes

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the caramelized sugar topping separate to prevent softening.
• Wrap unfilled cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and fill with custard before serving.
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent soggy caramel.
• Reapply fresh caramel sugar layer just before serving to restore the crispy, crackling surface that makes these cupcakes special.

Serving Pairings for Creme Brulee Cupcakes

• Crisp and bubbly champagne perfectly complements the rich, creamy custard filling and caramelized sugar topping of these decadent cupcakes.
• Smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, caramelized sugar and provides a luxurious texture experience.
• Strong, bold espresso cuts through the sweetness of the cupcakes, balancing the creamy custard and offering a sophisticated flavor profile.
• A small glass of caramel-flavored liqueur enhances the brulee element, deepening the cupcake's caramelized notes and creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Flavor Swaps for Creme Brulee Cupcakes You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cupcake's rich texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk and butter with coconut milk and plant-based margarine to create a lactose-free cupcake suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Vegan Remix: Use aquafaba instead of eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter to transform the recipe into a completely plant-based dessert that still delivers creamy indulgence.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cupcake's delectable flavor profile.

Your Top Creme Brulee Cupcake Questions Covered

• How do I know if my cupcakes are baked properly?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cupcakes are done.

• What if I don't have a kitchen torch for the brulee topping?

Use your oven’s broiler setting. Place cupcakes close to the top heating element and watch carefully to prevent burning. Broil for 1-2 minutes until sugar caramelizes.

• Can I make the custard filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before piping into cupcakes.

• How do I prevent lumps in my custard filling?

Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch thoroughly before adding warm milk. Stir constantly while cooking to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

Creme Brulee Cupcakes Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet French classic Creme Brulee Cupcakes blend delicate vanilla custard with caramelized sugar tops, creating an irresistible dessert. Delicate cupcake shells cradle silky cream, promising a luxurious experience that transports you to a Parisian patisserie.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk

Custard Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cupcake foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and arranging paper liners in a muffin tin.
2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the batter, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
6. Distribute the batter evenly across cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding with filling.
9. Prepare custard by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and free of lumps.
10. Gently warm milk in a separate saucepan, avoiding boiling.
11. Temper the egg mixture by slowly incorporating warm milk while continuously stirring.
12. Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
13. Remove from heat and enrich with vanilla and butter, then cool to room temperature.
14. Transfer cooled custard to a piping bag for precise filling.
15. Carefully hollow out the center of each cupcake using a knife or specialized corer.
16. Pipe custard filling into each cupcake, ensuring even distribution.
17. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar across the cupcake surface.
18. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a golden, crisp topping.
19. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures of soft cupcake and crackling caramel.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and better cupcake texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the custard’s rich flavor profile.
• When caramelizing sugar, move the torch slowly and evenly to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden crust.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg