Description
Delight in these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a perfectly caramelized brûlée topping. These individual-sized treats are elegant, rich, and ideal for any special occasion or dessert craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner in the muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and allow crusts to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese together with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over each crust in the liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the centers are slightly jiggly but set.
- Chill the Cheesecakes: Allow the cheesecakes to cool at room temperature for a short time, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, enabling them to firm up properly.
- Caramelize the Topping: Once chilled, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown, crisp brûlée topping. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Use a kitchen torch carefully to prevent burning the sugar or the cheesecake surface.
- Chilling time is essential for the cheesecakes to set properly before caramelizing the sugar.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the cheesecakes under a broiler for a minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning.
