Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe For Sweet Lovers

Whipping up a decadent creme brulee cheesecake cupcake promises pure dessert magic that will leave everyone speechless.

Silky cream cheese mingles with caramelized sugar in a dreamy fusion of classic flavors.

Delicate textures and rich tastes dance together, creating an irresistible treat that feels both elegant and playful.

Smooth custard layers nestle between light, airy cake bases, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional desserts.

Crisp caramelized tops crack beautifully under a gentle tap, revealing creamy goodness underneath.

Guests will marvel at your culinary prowess with these individual-sized delights that blend French and American dessert traditions.

You can absolutely nail this recipe and become the star baker among your friends.

Let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Why Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Wow Everyone

  • Transform Dessert Experience: Blend the classic elegance of creme brulee with the creamy richness of cheesecake in a portable, individual-sized treat that surprises and delights.
  • Master Simple Technique: Create restaurant-quality desserts at home with basic kitchen tools and minimal baking skills, making impressive cupcakes accessible to everyone.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or special occasions where you want to serve a dessert that looks sophisticated but requires straightforward preparation.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different graham cracker flavors or adding subtle garnishes like fresh berries or mint leaves for extra visual appeal.

Everything In Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake cupcakes.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps hold the crust ingredients and creates a rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and rich texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cheesecake filling.
  • Egg, Egg Yolks: Help bind the ingredients and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy consistency and adds a subtle tanginess.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Super Fine Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized layer on top of the cheesecake cupcakes when torched or broiled.

How To Bake Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 275°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, creating the perfect stage for your delicious dessert.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Graham Cracker Base

Grab your ingredients:
  • Graham crackers
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with sugar and melted butter until the mixture becomes a perfect sandy texture.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a delightful crunchy foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Gather your ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whole egg
  • Egg yolks
  • Sour cream
  • Salt

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until they become silky smooth.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix until the batter is completely creamy and free of any lumps.

Step 4: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Carefully pour the cheesecake batter into each liner, filling them about three-quarters full.

This ensures a perfect rise and beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 22-25 minutes until the filling sets and looks just slightly jiggly in the center. The cupcakes will continue to set as they cool.

Step 6: Create the Signature Creme Brulee Topping

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, sprinkle a generous layer of super fine sugar on top of each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a golden-brown, crispy top.

If you don’t have a torch, carefully broil the cupcakes in the oven until the sugar melts and hardens.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cupcakes for at least an hour to enhance their flavor and texture.

The contrast between the cool, creamy cheesecake and the crisp caramelized top makes these cupcakes absolutely irresistible.

Tips To Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Invest in high-quality cream cheese for a rich, smooth texture that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a lump-free, silky cheesecake batter that blends perfectly.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
  • Create a water bath by placing the muffin tin in a larger pan with hot water to help the cupcakes bake evenly and prevent surface cracks.
  • Practice caramelizing the sugar carefully with a kitchen torch, moving it slowly to achieve an even golden-brown crust without burning.

Tasty Variations On Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Mini French Lavender Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Infuse the cheesecake batter with dried lavender flowers for a subtle floral essence that complements the creamy texture.
  • Chocolate Espresso Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top for a rich, mocha-inspired version.
  • Citrus Zest Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the batter and garnish with candied citrus peel for a bright, refreshing variation.

Great Pairings For Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Pair with Sweet White Wine: Enhance the creamy, caramelized dessert with a crisp Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that matches the cupcake's rich sweetness and delicate vanilla notes.
  • Wine-Inspired Beverage Complement: Serve alongside a chilled vanilla bean liqueur or moscato cocktail to amplify the dessert's luxurious flavor profile and smooth texture.
  • Contrast with Espresso: Cut through the richness with a sharp, bold espresso shot that provides a robust counterpoint to the sweet, caramelized cupcake and cleanses the palate.
  • Garnish with Fresh Berries: Accent the dessert with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a tart brightness that balances the cupcake's creamy decadence.

How To Store Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Well

  • Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Thaw Gently: Transfer frozen cupcakes to the refrigerator overnight. Let them slowly come to temperature to maintain texture and prevent condensation.
  • Reheat Carefully: Avoid reheating caramelized tops to preserve their crisp texture. If needed, warm cupcakes briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Common Questions About Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • What makes the crust in these cupcakes special?

The crust is made from graham crackers mixed with sugar and melted butter, creating a crispy and sweet base that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

  • Can I make these cupcakes without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use the broiler in your oven to caramelize the sugar on top. Just watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve the signature caramelized crust.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake cupcakes are done baking?

The filling should look set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges will appear firm, and the top will look matte instead of glossy when they’re properly baked.

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Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes blend classic French dessert elegance with American cupcake charm. Creamy cheesecake cores topped with caramelized sugar create a luxurious treat you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Base:

  • 9 graham crackers (1 sleeve)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Topping and Finishing:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) super fine sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F, preparing a muffin tin with cupcake liners for precise baking.
  2. Create a robust graham cracker foundation by thoroughly blending crushed crackers, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into each liner’s base.
  3. Craft the creamy cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, incorporating vanilla, eggs, egg yolks, sour cream, and salt into a luxurious, uniform mixture.
  4. Distribute the cheesecake batter evenly, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
  5. Bake for 22-25 minutes, ensuring the filling sets with a gentle, uniform firmness and a delicate, unblemished surface.
  6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely within the tin, developing their characteristic dense texture and rich flavor profile.
  7. Carefully remove cupcakes from liners, preparing them for the signature caramelized topping.
  8. Sprinkle a precise layer of super fine sugar across each cupcake’s surface, transforming them with a kitchen torch or brief broiling to create a crisp, amber-colored caramel crust.
  9. Refrigerate to enhance flavor and serve chilled for a decadent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to release air bubbles before baking.
  • Use a water bath technique by placing the muffin tin in a larger pan with hot water to prevent cracking and create a silky texture.
  • Experiment with different graham cracker variations like chocolate or cinnamon for unique crust flavors.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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