Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe Sweet Success

Creamy mini creme brulee cheesecakes have become my latest culinary obsession, blending two incredible desserts into one irresistible treat.

Delicate flavors dance across your palate with each tiny bite of silky goodness.

Small ramekins create the perfect individual serving size for these elegant miniatures.

Crisp caramelized sugar tops these delectable little cheesecakes, providing a satisfying crunch against the smooth cream cheese base.

Unexpected textures and rich vanilla notes make these desserts stand out from standard cheesecake recipes.

Complex yet surprisingly simple techniques transform basic ingredients into something magical.

You’ll want to impress everyone at your next gathering with these stunning individual desserts.

Cheesecake FAQs with a Brulee Twist

• Can I make these mini cheesecakes without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use the broiler in your oven. Place the cheesecakes 3-4 inches from the broiler and watch carefully to prevent burning. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes golden brown.

• How do I know when the cheesecake filling is properly mixed?

The filling should look smooth and creamy with no lumps. Mix until the cream cheese is completely blended and the eggs are fully incorporated, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Philadelphia cream cheese is recommended, but any high-quality brand will work well. Always ensure the cream cheese is soft before mixing to avoid lumps.

• Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecakes up to 2-3 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.

Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes That Wow with Every Bite

• Perfect for adapting to different flavor profiles by adding fruit, chocolate, or liqueur to the base recipe.
• Prepare these mini cheesecakes in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Impress guests with individual-sized desserts featuring a dramatic caramelized sugar topping that cracks beautifully when tapped with a spoon.
• Cheesecakes can be fully prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and meal planning.

Ingredients to Create Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base providing a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crumb base, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients, creating a compact and firm base.

• Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy base that gives the cheesecake its signature texture, best when softened at room temperature.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy cream cheese and provides sweetness.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and binding the filling, room temperature works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, complex flavor to complement the creamy filling.
• Heavy Cream: Increases richness and creates a smoother, more luxurious texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized top when torched, providing a classic crème brûlée element.

How to Bake and Torch Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Muffin Tin

Warm the oven to 325°F. Position paper liners inside a standard muffin tin.

Step 2: Create Graham Cracker Crust

• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture into each muffin cup bottom, creating a firm base. Flatten using a spoon or small glass. Bake for 5 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Cheesecake Filling

• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream
• Salt

Blend until completely combined.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups

Pour cheesecake mixture over prepared crusts, filling almost to the top.

Step 5: Bake The Cheesecakes

Bake for 18-20 minutes until centers are set but slightly wobbly. Remove from oven.

Step 6: Cool And Chill

Let cheesecakes cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.

Step 7: Caramelize The Topping

Remove cheesecakes from liners and place on heat-safe surface. Sprinkle sugar evenly across each cheesecake. Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden and crisp. Allow topping to set for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Tips to Nail the Crust, Cream, and Caramelized Top

• Perfect Graham Cracker Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that holds together without crumbling.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Beat cream cheese and sugar slowly, and avoid overmixing eggs to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface during baking.
• Torch Technique: Hold the kitchen torch about 2 inches away from the sugar, moving constantly to create an even, golden-brown caramelized topping without burning.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to ensure proper setting and enhance the rich, creamy texture of the dessert.
• Swap Ingredients Easily: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or use alternative sweeteners for a customized, diet-friendly mini cheesecake.

Storage Advice for Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

• Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 23 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If caramel topping becomes soft, quickly torch the sugar again to restore the crispy texture. Work quickly to prevent melting the cheesecake.
• Remove cheesecakes from the refrigerator 510 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

What to Pair with These Elegant Mini Cheesecakes

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light, bright acidity that complements the creamy richness of the mini cheesecakes.
• Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to provide a tart contrast and colorful visual appeal to the dessert.
• Choose a sweet, bubbly champagne like moscato d'asti or demi-sec champagne that harmonizes with the caramelized sugar topping and creamy texture.
• Serve a small shot of espresso or cappuccino alongside the mini cheesecakes to cut through the sweetness and provide a sophisticated flavor counterpoint.

Flavor Ideas to Customize Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to create a safe dessert for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap graham cracker base with crushed pecans or almond flour. Use a sugar substitute like erythritol and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream to maintain low-carb macros.
• Fruit-Infused Version: Mix fresh raspberries or lemon zest into the cheesecake batter for a bright, tangy flavor profile. Top with fresh berries or a compote before caramelizing the sugar for added freshness.
• Chocolate Lover's Adaptation: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake filling. Use cocoa powder in the crust and garnish with chocolate shavings for an indulgent chocolate-creme brulee experience.

Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delicate mini creme brulee cheesecakes blend French elegance with creamy American comfort. Caramelized sugar tops silky cream cheese filling, creating a luxurious dessert that delights senses with each elegant bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Base/Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a standard muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, mixing until the texture resembles damp sand.
3. Distribute the crust mixture evenly across muffin cups, firmly pressing down with a spoon or glass to create a compact base.
4. Briefly bake the crust for a few minutes to set, then allow to cool completely.
5. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
7. Gently fold in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt, mixing until ingredients are fully integrated.
8. Carefully pour the cheesecake filling into each prepared crust, filling nearly to the top.
9. Bake until centers appear set but maintain a slight wobble when gently shaken.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for half an hour.
11. Refrigerate for several hours until completely chilled and firm.
12. Prior to serving, extract cheesecakes from their liners and place on a heat-resistant surface.
13. Delicately dust the top of each cheesecake with a thin layer of sugar.
14. Caramelize the sugar surface using a kitchen torch until achieving a golden, crisp top.
15. Let the caramelized topping cool briefly before presenting and serving.

Notes

• Customize the crust by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Control the water bath technique during baking to prevent cheesecake cracking by placing the muffin tin inside a larger pan filled with hot water, which creates gentle and even heating.
• Achieve ultra-smooth cheesecake filling by ensuring cream cheese is room temperature and beat ingredients at low speed to minimize air incorporation, preventing potential surface cracks.
• When caramelizing sugar topping, move the kitchen torch constantly in circular motions to create an even golden-brown layer without burning, ensuring a perfectly crisp caramel surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg