These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée, creating an elegant yet easy dessert. With a graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a crisp brûlée topping, this recipe is perfect for entertaining or indulging at home.
Ingredients for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing on top)
Instructions for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cavity well.
2. Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Divide the crumb mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom of each one to form the crust.
- Bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups
- Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the muffin cups, spooning it over the pre-baked crusts. Fill each cup nearly to the top.
5. Bake the Mini Cheesecakes
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
6. Add the Brûlée Topping
- Before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to carefully melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp layer. Let the sugar harden for a few minutes before serving.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the cheesecakes under the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Serve
- Serve your Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the creamy texture and caramelized topping!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and cream are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Graham Cracker Substitutes: You can use other types of cookie crumbs, like digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs, for the crust if you prefer.
- Brûlée Tip: For an even brûlée topping, sprinkle the sugar evenly and move the torch in a circular motion to avoid burning.
Variations for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
1. Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
- Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter for a chocolate-flavored version. You can also use chocolate graham crackers for the crust.
2. Berry Topped Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
- Top the mini cheesecakes with a fresh berry or berry compote before adding the sugar brûlée topping for a fruity twist.
3. Espresso Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cheesecake batter for a rich coffee flavor. Pair it with a dusting of cocoa powder after caramelizing the sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the mini cheesecakes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and brûlée the sugar topping just before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecakes (without the brûlée topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the sugar topping and caramelize just before serving.
3. What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use the broiler in your oven to caramelize the sugar. Place the cheesecakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning the sugar.
A Luxurious Mini Dessert
These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and crisp caramelized sugar. With their individual portions, they’re ideal for special occasions, gatherings, or anytime you want a luxurious dessert without much fuss. Enjoy the smooth, rich filling with a crunchy, caramel topping that’s sure to impress!
