Dreamy Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe: Fusion of Sweet Elegance

My latest culinary obsession, this creme brulee cheesecake, blends two classic desserts into one dreamy creation.

Creamy textures merge with caramelized sugar for an unforgettable experience.

Sweet vanilla notes dance through each decadent bite.

Rich cream cheese provides a luxurious foundation that melts on your tongue.

Delicate crackling from the burnt sugar top adds dramatic contrast to the smooth interior.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert will impress anyone who tastes it.

Crack through that golden crust and discover pure deliciousness waiting inside.

What Makes Creme Brulee Cheesecake Stand Out

• Elevate Dessert Experience: Transform classic cheesecake into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy treat with professional torching technique that creates a stunning caramelized sugar crust.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Requires minimal technical skills with simple steps, allowing even novice bakers to create an impressive dessert in under 90 minutes of total time, excluding chilling.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Dessert: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties where you want to wow guests with a sophisticated yet approachable sweet masterpiece that combines two beloved desserts.
• Flexible Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be completely prepared a day in advance, reducing day-of stress and allowing flavors to develop, making it ideal for entertaining or family gatherings where time management matters.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crisp base with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Best when finely ground for a smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden-brown crust with a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy base that gives the cheesecake its signature rich and tangy flavor. Full-fat variety recommended for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set with a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the filling. Room temperature works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma. Pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates the signature caramelized, crisp top layer when torched or broiled.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 325°F.

Grab a 9-inch springform pan and get it ready for the delicious creation ahead.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Let the crust cool completely while you prepare the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar

Mix until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Add eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition.

Stir in sour cream and vanilla until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust.

Bake for 55-60 minutes.

The center should have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Chill and Prepare for Final Touch

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This helps the cake set and develop incredible flavor.

Step 6: Create the Caramelized Topping

Right before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar across the top of the cheesecake.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the caramel to harden.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Carefully cut into the cheesecake and reveal the creamy layers beneath the crispy caramel top.

Enjoy your decadent dessert!

Creme Brûlée Cheesecake With Caramelized Top and Creamy Center Tips

• Select high-quality cream cheese, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract for the most delicious and creamy cheesecake texture.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won't fall apart when slicing.
• Bake in a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to create humid environment, preventing surface cracks during baking.
• Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches from sugar surface, move constantly to achieve even golden-brown caramel without burning.
• Allow cheesecake to chill completely for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set properly and develop rich, smooth consistency.

Store Cheesecake Brulee And Torch Again If Needed

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Carefully wrap entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid direct microwave heating as it can make texture rubbery. Instead, let cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
• Recommendation is to torch the sugar topping just before serving to maintain crisp caramel layer. Reheating might compromise the delicate sugar crust.

Ideas to Pair with Creme Brulee Cheesecake

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Select a luscious Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the rich, caramelized sugar and creamy cheesecake texture.
• Enhance Flavor with Berries: Serve fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side to add a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet, smooth cheesecake.
• Match with Champagne: Choose a slightly sweet brut or demi-sec champagne to cut through the dessert's richness and highlight its delicate caramel notes.
• Elevate with Coffee: Serve a smooth espresso or cappuccino alongside the cheesecake to balance its sweetness and provide a rich, aromatic counterpoint.

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake with Crispy Topping Ideas

• Gluten-Free Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment.
• Vegan Caramel Cheesecake Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of eggs, and create a caramel topping using dates and coconut sugar.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute graham crackers with crushed pecans or almond flour, use monk sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate cream cheese with full-fat ingredients to maintain keto macros.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cheesecake: Use coconut cream cheese, coconut milk, and dairy-free butter alternatives to create a creamy texture while keeping the classic creme brulee caramelized top intact.

FAQs

• What makes the crust for this cheesecake?

The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs mixed with sugar and melted butter, creating a classic, crispy base that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center when you gently shake the pan. This means the cheesecake is done and will set as it cools, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

• Do I need a kitchen torch to caramelize the top?

While a kitchen torch is ideal for creating the classic creme brulee caramelized sugar crust, you can also use the broiler in your oven. Just watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown topping.

• Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions or dinner parties.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Creamy French-inspired creme brulee cheesecake blends classic dessert traditions with modern indulgence. Caramelized sugar crackles over silky cream cheese filling, promising a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with every elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract

Topping:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by combining crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, then firmly press the mixture into the base, creating a compact foundation for the cheesecake.
2. Gently toast the crust in a preheated oven at 325°F for approximately 10 minutes, allowing it to develop a subtle golden hue and set firmly; remove and let cool completely.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency, ensuring a smooth texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, carefully mixing after each addition to maintain a uniform texture and prevent overmixing.
5. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, gently stirring until the ingredients are seamlessly integrated, creating a luxurious and creamy filling.
6. Delicately pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution and minimizing air bubbles.
7. Position the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slightly wobbly center that indicates perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
9. Prior to serving, generously dust the surface with a fine layer of sugar, using a kitchen torch to caramelize the top into a crisp, golden-brown crust.
10. Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for 5 minutes, then slice and serve the decadent dessert.

Notes

• Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even baking and prevent surface cracks.
• Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the sugar-topped cheesecake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg