Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Indulge in these Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes, a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and the classic caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. Each cupcake is infused with aromatic vanilla bean and baked to perfection, then topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust for an irresistible dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 3 large eggs
Topping
- 2–3 tbsp granulated sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla bean seeds and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and continue to mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a creamy texture.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pour the batter evenly into a lined or greased muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Chill the Cupcakes: Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set firmly.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each chilled cupcake. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a golden, crispy crust. Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- The vanilla bean seeds provide a natural flavor and speckled appearance; you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if unavailable.
- Use a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar to achieve the signature brûlée crust; alternatively, broil under a preheated oven, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Chilling the cupcakes before caramelizing helps set the custard base and prevents melting during torching.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, Cheesecake Cupcakes, Caramelized Sugar, Dessert, Vanilla Cheesecake, Individual Cheesecakes
