Dreamy Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting mini creme brulee cheesecakes lets you blend two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat.

Creamy textures and caramelized sugar create a magical culinary experience.

Rich cream cheese provides a smooth foundation for this elegant dessert.

Delicate individual portions make these miniature delights perfect for intimate gatherings.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, these cheesecakes bring professional pastry skills to your home kitchen.

Crisp caramelized tops crack beautifully under a spoon, revealing silky layers beneath.

Prepare to impress everyone with this stunning dessert that combines classic French and American sweet traditions.

Cheesecake FAQs for Mini Dessert Lovers

• What ingredients can I substitute in this recipe?

You can replace graham crackers with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers, and use low-fat cream cheese if desired. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

• How do I know if my cheesecakes are properly baked?

The centers should look slightly jiggly but not liquid when you gently shake the pan. They will continue to set while cooling, so avoid overbaking.

• Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving to maintain crispness.

• What if I don't have a kitchen torch?

Use your oven’s broiler setting.

Why These Mini Cheesecakes Are Crowd Favorites

• Craft Individual Desserts: Create personalized mini cheesecakes that allow each person to enjoy their own perfectly portioned treat without sharing.
• Impress with Restaurant-Quality Technique: Elevate home baking by using a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar, delivering a professional crème brûlée finish that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Perfect for Entertaining: These mini cheesecakes are ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, and gatherings where guests can enjoy a sophisticated dessert that's visually stunning and deliciously rich.
• Simple Ingredient Lineup: Requires basic pantry staples like cream cheese, graham crackers, and sugar, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels without hunting for complicated ingredients.

What You Need for That Perfect Burnt Top

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the crumbs together.
• Butter: Melted butter acts as a binding agent and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevents cracking.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the rich, silky texture of the cheesecake.

• Brown Sugar: Creates the classic caramelized sugar crust that defines a crème brûlée.

How to Layer and Torch With Confidence

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, creating a perfect canvas for your mini desserts.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Stir until the crumbs are completely coated and look like golden sand. Press about a tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin liner, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecakes.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool down while you prepare the creamy filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and silky. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a perfect texture.

Step 5: Enhance the Flavor

Gently stir in vanilla extract and flour, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. Pour in heavy cream and mix until the filling looks luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Fill and Bake the Cheesecakes

Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crusts. Place the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The centers should look slightly set but still have a gentle jiggle.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer the tin to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Create the Brulee Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar over each cheesecake.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a glassy, golden-brown top that cracks beautifully when tapped.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these elegant mini desserts chilled, watching your guests crack through the crisp caramel top to reveal the creamy cheesecake beneath.

Tips for Silky Texture and Caramel Crackle

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling and easier mixing.
• Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter after filling to release any air bubbles and prevent cracks.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent a dense, tough texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• If you don't have a kitchen torch, broil the brown sugar topping for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, adding the caramelized sugar topping just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

Flavor Variants for Your Mini Cheesecake Bites

• Seasonal Berry Blast: Replace vanilla extract with fresh berry puree and top each mini cheesecake with seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity summer version.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the cheesecake batter and use chocolate graham crackers for the crust, then garnish with dark chocolate shavings.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with crushed pecans before caramelizing the sugar for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Espresso Elegance: Add 1-2 tablespoons of strong espresso to the cheesecake mixture and use coffee-flavored graham crackers for a sophisticated cafe-style dessert.

Pair These Creamy Treats with Sweet Sips

• Sip Sparkling Moscato: Light, sweet white wine perfectly complements the rich, creamy cheesecake texture and balances the caramelized sugar top.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside raspberry or strawberry compote to add bright, tangy contrast to the decadent dessert's smooth flavor profile.
• Match with Espresso: Strong, bold coffee cuts through the sweetness and provides a robust counterpoint to the delicate cheesecake, enhancing overall dessert experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold scoop creates delightful temperature and texture contrast, echoing the vanilla notes in the mini cheesecakes.

Store and Serve Without Losing the Wow

• Refrigerate: Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freeze: Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Let refrigerated cheesecakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving using a kitchen torch for the best crispy effect.
• Best Practice: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheesecake texture rubbery and compromise the delicate crust and creamy filling.

Miniature Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful mini creme brulee cheesecakes blend classic French elegance with creamy American comfort, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that melts in your mouth. Caramelized sugar tops silky cream cheese filling, offering you a luxurious sweet experience in one delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Flavoring and Topping Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar (for brûlée topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to 325°F and positioning rack in center. Place paper liners inside muffin tin.
2. Create graham cracker base by thoroughly mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until uniformly coated and slightly clumpy.
3. Distribute graham cracker mixture evenly into each liner, pressing firmly to create compact foundation. Bake crust for precisely 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
4. Whip cream cheese and sugar using electric mixer until achieving silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly between each addition.
5. Gently fold vanilla extract and flour into cream cheese mixture, ensuring complete integration without overmixing.
6. Introduce heavy cream, blending until smooth and homogeneous with minimal streaking.
7. Carefully transfer cream cheese mixture over pre-baked crusts, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
8. Bake miniature cheesecakes for 20-25 minutes, watching for subtle center jiggle indicating perfect doneness.
9. Remove from oven and permit complete cooling at room temperature. Refrigerate minimum 4 hours or preferably overnight for optimal texture.
10. Prior to serving, generously dust each cheesecake with brown sugar. Caramelize sugar surface using kitchen torch until achieving glossy, amber-colored crisp topping.

Notes

• Ensure graham cracker crust is evenly pressed and compacted to create a sturdy base for the cheesecakes.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to achieve a smoother, lump-free batter that blends seamlessly.
• Control torch flame carefully when caramelizing sugar to prevent burning and create a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Refrigerate cheesecakes overnight for optimal texture and flavor development, allowing them to set completely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg