Irresistible Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Fans

Have you ever dreamed of a mini creme brulee cheesecake that melts like silk on your tongue?

Delicate flavors dance between creamy cheesecake and caramelized sugar crunch.

Compact yet elegant, these petite desserts promise pure indulgence in every bite.

Guests will swoon over the crisp caramel top that shatters with a gentle tap of your spoon.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum impact, creating a dessert that feels both sophisticated and playful.

Smooth cream cheese blends with rich custard notes, delivering a luxurious experience.

Each miniature treat brings gourmet restaurant magic right to your kitchen table.

One taste, and you’ll be transported to a French patisserie with these irresistible little delights.

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes With Caramel Crackle Tops

• Speedy Sweet Sensation: Whip up these adorable mini desserts in under an hour, perfect for quick cravings and spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Top these cheesecakes with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream to match any taste preference or special occasion.
• No-Fuss Technique: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe foolproof for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Portion: Individual servings ensure everyone gets their own perfectly sized treat, eliminating sharing disputes and making portion control a breeze.

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet, crisp foundation for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, cohesive texture for the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling, creating a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth of flavor to the cheesecake.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and creates a silky smooth texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a classic crisp, caramelized top that cracks when tapped, signature to creme brulee.

Mini Cheesecakes Creme Brulee Prep

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set your oven to roast at 325°F.

Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute cupcake papers.

This creates the perfect little homes for your miniature desserts.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

• Sugar
• Melted butter

Stir until the mixture feels like damp beach sand.

Press a spoonful into each cupcake liner’s bottom.

Bake this base for 5 minutes, then let it cool down completely.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one by one, stirring gently after each.

Pour in vanilla and heavy cream, mixing until everything looks perfectly combined and dreamy.

Step 4: Bake and Chill

Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crusts, almost reaching the top of each liner.

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

The centers should have a slight wiggle when you shake the pan.

Remove and let cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Create the Crunchy Caramel Top

After chilling, sprinkle a light layer of sugar on each cheesecake.

Use a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a golden, crackling surface.

Wait a minute for the caramel to harden before serving your stunning mini desserts.

Cheesecake Baking Tips for Mini Crème Brûlée Cups

• Make the crust and cheesecake filling a day in advance to save time and reduce stress during final preparation.
• Hold the kitchen torch about 2 inches away from the sugar and move continuously to prevent burning, creating an even golden-brown caramel layer.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and don't overbake, which can cause unsightly surface cracks in your mini desserts.
• Experiment with different graham cracker variations like chocolate or cinnamon graham crackers to add unique flavor to the crust.

Mini Crème Brulee Cheesecakes Stored Right

• Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months without the caramelized sugar topping.
• Transfer frozen cheesecakes to the refrigerator overnight for gentle, even defrosting. Add fresh caramelized sugar topping just before serving to maintain crisp texture.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture soggy. Let chilled cheesecakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

What Matches Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wines: Select sweet, light-bodied dessert wines like Sauternes or late harvest Riesling that complement the rich, caramelized flavor of the mini creme brulee cheesecakes without overpowering their delicate texture.
• Enhance with Fruit Garnishes: Add fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries alongside the cheesecakes to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy, sweet dessert and create a visually appealing presentation.
• Match with Espresso: Serve a small shot of espresso or cappuccino to cut through the richness of the cheesecake and provide a balanced, slightly bitter counterpoint to the caramelized sugar topping.
• Create Textural Contrast: Include a crisp almond biscotti or thin butter cookie on the side to add a crunchy element that complements the smooth cheesecake and provides an interesting textural experience.

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Dessert Twists

• Gluten-Free Crunch Base: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a plant-based alternative suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic creme brulee cheesecake flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute graham cracker base with crushed pecans or almond flour, use cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream, and replace sugar with erythritol to create a low-carb friendly dessert.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the cheesecakes on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• How do I know if the cheesecakes are properly baked?

Look for slightly jiggly centers when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be set, but the middle should have a slight wobble. This ensures a creamy texture.

• Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Absolutely! You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed Oreo cookies for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

These mini cheesecakes are perfect for advance preparation. You can make them up to 2-3 days before serving and keep them refrigerated until ready to caramelize the sugar topping.

Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delicate mini creme brulee cheesecakes blend French elegance with creamy American indulgence. Rich custard and caramelized sugar create a luxurious dessert experience that will delight your senses and impress any guest.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Cream Cheese:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened

Eggs:

• 2 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 325°F (160°C) and positioning cupcake liners within a muffin tin for optimal mini cheesecake creation.
2. Craft the foundational crust by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp, compact sand. Gently press a tablespoon of this mixture into each cupcake liner’s base, then briefly bake for 5 minutes to set the foundation and allow cooling.
3. Create the creamy filling by thoroughly beating cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gradually incorporate eggs, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until the filling becomes completely smooth and homogeneous.
4. Transfer the luxurious cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, carefully filling each liner almost to its rim. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center indicating perfect doneness. After removing from the oven, allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
5. Complete the dessert by delicately sprinkling a thin layer of sugar atop each chilled cheesecake. Utilize a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, transforming it into a golden, crisp topping. Allow the caramelized sugar to harden briefly before serving, creating a delightful crackable surface.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety filling.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most decadent texture that melts in your mouth.
• When pressing graham cracker crust, pack it firmly and evenly to create a stable base for the cheesecake.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the sugar-topped cheesecakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 346
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg