Simple Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent desserts often surprise us with unexpected delights, and these vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend luxurious textures in one irresistible bite.

Rich cream cheese mingles with delicate vanilla seeds, creating a sophisticated treat that feels both familiar and exotic.

Each cupcake promises a crackable caramelized sugar top that shatters beneath your spoon with elegant precision.

Smooth, silky cheesecake fills a tender cupcake base, promising pure indulgence in every mouthful.

The vanilla bean adds depth and complexity, transforming an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Layers of flavor dance between creamy, crunchy, and sweet, making these cupcakes a showstopping finale to any meal.

You won’t be able to resist the temptation of this elegant, restaurant-worthy dessert that’s surprisingly simple to create.

Why Everyone Loves Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Blend classic cheesecake with creme brulee for an extraordinary treat that transforms ordinary baking into a gourmet adventure.
• Guests will be stunned by the professional-looking caramelized sugar topping that cracks dramatically with each spoonful, creating a restaurant-quality dessert at home.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps allow even novice bakers to create a decadent dessert without complicated techniques or extensive baking skills.
• Customize cupcake sizes, adjust sweetness levels, and experiment with different toppings to make these mini cheesecakes perfectly suited to individual preferences.

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake cupcakes.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Melted Butter: Helps the cracker crumbs stick and creates a rich, solid base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the smooth and luxurious texture of the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Bean Seeds: Offer an intense and authentic vanilla flavor with beautiful specks.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall vanilla profile of the dessert.

• Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized layer that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy cheesecake.

Tools Needed for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking cupcake-style cheesecakes.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for preparing the graham cracker crust.
• Electric Mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and ingredients to a creamy consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Spoon: Used to press and compact the graham cracker crust.
• Kitchen Torch: Necessary for caramelizing sugar topping to create a crispy layer.
• Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal of cheesecake cupcakes.

Making Your Own Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Create Crunchy Base

Grab graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into cupcake liners, creating a solid foundation for your delightful treat.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Batter

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until silky smooth.

• White sugar
• Whole eggs
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla bean seeds
• Pure vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes luxuriously velvety and well-combined.

Step 3: Fill and Prepare Cupcake Shells

Pour the dreamy cheesecake batter into each cupcake liner, filling them approximately three-quarters full.

This ensures perfect rising and beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cupcake tin into a preheated oven at 325F (160C).

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the centers look set and tops appear slightly puffy.

The cheesecakes should have a gentle wobble when slightly shaken.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and let them rest for at least 2 hours, allowing the texture to become wonderfully firm and creamy.

Step 6: Create Caramelized Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar across each cheesecake.

Use a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a gorgeous golden-amber crust.

Watch the sugar melt and bubble, creating a stunning crackling surface.

Step 7: Serve and Indulge

Remove the cupcakes from the refrigerator.

Crack through the caramelized sugar with a spoon and savor the incredible contrast between the crisp topping and smooth cheesecake underneath.

Tips for Creamy, Perfect Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Refrigerate cupcakes for at least 2 hours to ensure perfect texture and help them set completely for clean, smooth slicing.
• Move kitchen torch slowly and evenly across sugar surface to create a uniform golden-brown caramel crust without burning.
• Use fresh vanilla bean seeds for intense, rich flavor that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.
• Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure silky smooth cheesecake batter.
• These cupcakes can be prepared a day in advance, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.

Fun Twists for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs, add cocoa powder to cheesecake batter, and top with chocolate shavings for an intense chocolate experience.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies, use certified gluten-free ingredients to create a safe version for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Fruit Fusion Delight: Incorporate fresh raspberry puree into the cheesecake batter, garnish with fresh berries, and use a light raspberry sauce instead of traditional caramelized sugar topping for a fruity alternative.

Great Ways to Serve Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Elegant Party Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a sophisticated marble or glass serving tray, garnished with fresh mint leaves and edible gold dust for a luxurious presentation.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a small glass of French vanilla liqueur or sweet dessert wine to complement the rich vanilla bean flavors and enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Top each cupcake with a delicate fresh raspberry or a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers to add a pop of color and provide a crunchy counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake texture.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by placing cupcakes on tiered cake stands with coordinating white or gold accents, perfect for special occasions like bridal showers or anniversary celebrations.

Best Storage for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover each cupcake with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Remove cupcakes from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch for a crisp, golden topping.
• For best texture and flavor, consume within 3 days of preparation. Let cupcakes sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying to enhance their creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What are vanilla bean seeds and how do I extract them?

Vanilla bean seeds are tiny black specks inside a vanilla pod. To extract them, slice the pod lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds using the knife’s back edge. These seeds provide intense, authentic vanilla flavor to the dessert.

• Can I make these cupcakes without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the cupcakes 3-4 inches from the broiler and watch carefully to prevent burning. Rotate the tray for even caramelization, which usually takes 2-3 minutes.

• Why is my cheesecake cracking?

Cheesecake cracks often result from overmixing the batter or sudden temperature changes. Mix ingredients gently and avoid opening the oven during baking.

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic French vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend creamy indulgence with delicate elegance. Rich dessert layers offer crisp caramelized sugar topping that delights palates with sophisticated charm.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325F (160C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing.
2. Craft the graham cracker foundation by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until thoroughly combined, then gently press a tablespoon of the mixture into each liner’s base, compacting with a spoon for a solid crust.
3. Create the luxurious cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
4. Enhance the mixture with sour cream, heavy cream, and aromatic vanilla bean seeds, blending until the texture becomes uniform and velvety.
5. Distribute the cheesecake batter generously, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for slightly puffed tops and set centers as indicators of doneness.
7. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
8. Prior to serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar across each chilled cheesecake, using a kitchen torch to transform the granules into a gleaming, caramelized crust.
9. Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for several minutes, creating a delicate, crackling top layer that contrasts with the creamy underneath.
10. Present the cupcakes chilled, ready to be savored with their harmonious blend of crisp topping and smooth cheesecake interior.

Notes

• Chill the cream cheese and eggs at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
• Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks and create a silky, even texture in your cheesecake cupcakes.
• Scrape vanilla bean seeds thoroughly to distribute intense flavor throughout the creamy filling, maximizing the aromatic vanilla essence.
• For gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same delicious crust texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg