Description
Indulge in these delightful Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes—a perfect blend of creamy vanilla cheesecake and the classic caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. These individual-sized treats are ideal for gatherings or a special dessert at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7 full-size crackers)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom to form the crust.
- Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, distributing it evenly among the muffin cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the centers are set and the tops are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Add the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Once the cheesecakes are thoroughly chilled, remove them from the muffin tin and discard the paper liners.
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in a circular motion until it melts and turns a deep amber color. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cheesecakes under a broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to harden before serving.
Notes
- Garnishing: For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing the mini cheesecakes with fresh berries, edible flowers, or mint sprigs.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, it’s recommended to add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving.