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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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