If you have a sweet tooth and love the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake with the delicate crackle of caramelized sugar on top, you are going to adore this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe. These bite-sized delights bring together the best of two classic desserts into one irresistible treat that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in, these cheesecakes feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky smooth filling, and that iconic brûlée topping that shatters with every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these mini desserts will become your go-to indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is a breeze since they all play an essential role in crafting those irresistible mini cheesecakes. Each component, from the crumbly crust to the creamy filling and the caramelized topping, is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor and texture beautifully.
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery base for the crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the crust crumbs together while adding caramelization during baking.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the crust for that classic buttery taste.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for the filling, delivering that luscious, smooth cheesecake texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling evenly without overpowering the delicate flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the filling ingredients together and give structure without making it too dense.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and extra creaminess that makes the filling irresistibly smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note that complements the cheesecake beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the rich components in the filling.
- 4–6 teaspoons granulated sugar for torching: Creates that iconic golden, crisp brûlée topping that cracks delightfully with each bite.
How to Make Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners; this not only makes cleanup easier but also helps your mini cheesecakes release perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter. This simple mixture forms a buttery, slightly sweet crust. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottoms of each muffin cup to ensure every bite has that satisfying crunch. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and let them cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; these final ingredients introduce creaminess and depth to your filling that make these cheesecakes so divine.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Divide the cheesecake batter evenly over the prepared crusts in your muffin tin. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the centers are just set but still have a slight jiggle. This perfect bake ensures a creamy texture that mimics a classic cheesecake. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time.
Step 5: Add the Brûlée Topping
Just before serving, gently peel off the paper liners. Sprinkle about half a teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over each mini cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crisp, creating that signature brûlée crust. Let the topping set for a couple of minutes; then get ready to indulge in this elegant dessert experience!
How to Serve Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries pair beautifully with these mini cheesecakes. A small sprig of mint can add a burst of color and a hint of freshness. If you want to keep things classic, simply serve them with the caramelized brûlée topping as is—every crackling bite is a delight.
Side Dishes
These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe stands out wonderfully on its own but can be complemented by light accompaniments like whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. For a party, consider serving alongside a fruit compote for guests who appreciate a bright, fruity contrast to the rich dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make any dessert feel special. Try serving these cheesecakes on a decorative cake stand arranged in a circle or on elegant dessert plates paired with edible flowers. If you want to wow your guests, drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over the top just before serving for a stunning visual and flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Their flavor and texture stay fresh and creamy, but be sure to add the brûlée topping just before serving to maintain its trademark crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze these mini cheesecakes without the brûlée topping by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before carefully torching the sugar topping when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Because these cheesecakes are best enjoyed chilled with a crisp top, reheating is generally not necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly less cold, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to torch the sugar again if the topping softens after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecakes without a kitchen torch?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler. Just place the cheesecakes under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the sugar caramelizes and crisps up.
Can I substitute sour cream in the filling?
Yes, you can replace sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or heavy cream if needed. Each will add creaminess but might slightly alter the tanginess and texture.
How long will these mini cheesecakes keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cheesecakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For the best brûlée texture, add the caramelized sugar topping right before serving.
Is it okay to use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar for the brûlée topping?
Granulated sugar works best because it melts and caramelizes evenly. Using powdered sugar or brown sugar will not produce the same crispy, crackling brûlée effect.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe is easy to scale up. Just be sure to adjust your baking times slightly based on how many you’re making at once, and bake in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t beat the magic of Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe—each bite feels like a special occasion with minimal effort in the kitchen. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it a memorable dessert everyone will rave about. So grab your mixing bowl and torch, and prepare to delight yourself and your guests with these charming little indulgences!
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Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: Easy & Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and the classic caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. These easy-to-make mini desserts feature a graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a crisp brûlée topping made with a kitchen torch for a perfect party treat that impresses every time.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the brûlée topping:
- 4–6 teaspoons granulated sugar (for torching)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Make the crust: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Divide this mixture evenly among the muffin cups and press firmly to form a solid base. Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly over the pre-baked crusts in the muffin tin. Bake the cheesecakes for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the centers are just set and still slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow them to set completely.
- Add the brûlée topping: Just before serving, carefully remove the paper liners from each cheesecake. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly on top of each cheesecake. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by melting it until golden brown and crisp. Let the caramelized topping set for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, brûlée the topping just before serving to maintain a crisp sugar crust.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler, but watch the cheesecakes closely to prevent burning the sugar.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake; the centers should remain slightly jiggly to ensure creamy texture.
