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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, carefully mixing after each addition to maintain a uniform texture and prevent overmixing.
- Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, gently stirring until the ingredients are seamlessly integrated, creating a luxurious and creamy filling.
- Delicately pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution and minimizing air bubbles.
- Position the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slightly wobbly center that indicates perfect doneness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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