Silky Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Creamy vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes offer a luxurious twist on classic dessert traditions.

Sweet whispers of Madagascar’s finest beans dance through each delicate bite.

Rich custard mingles with smooth cream cheese, creating an irresistible fusion of textures.

Delicate caramelized sugar tops promise a satisfying crunch that breaks dramatically against silky layers beneath.

Elegantly portioned individual cupcakes make sharing these decadent treats effortless and charming.

Professional pastry techniques come together in a simple yet sophisticated dessert that impresses without overwhelming.

Dare you to resist this divine culinary creation waiting to enchant your taste buds?

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Questions Answered

• What makes the crust different from traditional cheesecake?

The graham cracker crust is pressed into individual cupcake liners, creating a perfect bite-sized base that’s crisp and buttery.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

A kitchen torch is ideal for caramelizing the sugar topping, but you can also use your oven’s broiler setting carefully to achieve the creme brulee effect.

• Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean seeds?

While vanilla extract works, vanilla bean seeds provide a more intense, authentic flavor and visible specks throughout the cheesecake, enhancing both taste and appearance.

• How do I know when the cheesecake cupcakes are properly baked?

Look for centers that are set but still slightly jiggly – this ensures a creamy texture without overbaking and prevents cracking.

What Makes Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes So Good

• Create a Luxurious Dessert: Elevate your baking game with these sophisticated mini cheesecakes that combine the elegance of creme brulee with the richness of cheesecake.
• Perfect for Special Gatherings: Impress guests with individual portions that look professionally made, making them ideal for dinner parties, bridal showers, or sophisticated dessert nights.
• Simple Step-by-Step Process: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that breaks down complex techniques into easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Indulge in Textural Delights: Experience a delightful contrast between the creamy cheesecake base and the crisp caramelized sugar topping that cracks beautifully with each spoonful.

What Goes Into Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a crunchy and sweet foundation for the cheesecake cupcakes.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the crumb mixture.
• Melted Butter: Helps hold the crust ingredients together and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set during baking.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to the cheesecake filling.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious and creamy texture of the cheesecake.

• Vanilla Bean Seeds: Provide an intense and authentic vanilla flavor with visible specks throughout the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall vanilla profile of the dessert.
• Sugar (for topping): Creates a crisp, caramelized crust on top of the cheesecake cupcakes.

Simple Steps For Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F. Line a muffin tin with cute cupcake liners, creating the perfect home for your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Sugar
• Melted butter

Gently press about a tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Base

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

Add eggs one by one, giving each a good mix to ensure a perfect blend.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor Profile

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla bean seeds
• Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is harmoniously combined.

Step 5: Fill and Prepare for Baking

Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crusts, filling each liner about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for centers that are set but still have a slight jiggle. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cupcakes for at least two hours, allowing them to become wonderfully firm and cold.

Step 8: Create the Signature Creme Brulee Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar on top of each cupcake.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crisp, golden crust that cracks beautifully when tapped. Let cool for a moment before indulging in your masterpiece.

Tips To Help With Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture without lumps.
• Scrape vanilla bean seeds thoroughly for maximum flavor intensity in the dessert.
• Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to release air bubbles before baking, preventing cracks in the cheesecake.
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain their delicate structure and prevent condensation.
• If you don't have a kitchen torch, place cupcakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Tasty Twists For Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Tropical Paradise: Replace vanilla bean with coconut extract, add toasted coconut flakes on top, and garnish with a small slice of fresh mango for a summery Caribbean-inspired treat.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix cocoa powder into the crust, add melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake batter, and top with chocolate shavings for an intense chocolate experience.
• Berry Bliss: Swirl raspberry or strawberry puree through the cheesecake batter before baking, and top with fresh mixed berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a fruity version.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the caramelized sugar top, and sprinkle sea salt flakes for a decadent sweet-salty combination.

Best Pairings For Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Delight with Sweet Wine: Moscato d'Asti complements the rich, velvety texture of the cheesecake cupcakes with its light, sweet bubbles and delicate floral notes.
• Enhance Dessert with Nutty Crunch: Toasted almond biscotti provide a delightful textural contrast, their crisp crunch balancing the smooth, creamy cheesecake while echoing the vanilla undertones.
• Elevate Flavor with Caramel Companion: Salted caramel sauce drizzled alongside the cupcakes intensifies the brûlée's caramelized sugar top, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that dances on the palate.

How To Store Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: 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.
• Reheating Gently: Let cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the texture rubbery.
• Caramelizing Again: If the sugar topping loses its crispness, use a kitchen torch to re-caramelize just before serving. Sprinkle fresh sugar and torch until golden and crisp.

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend French elegance with American dessert charm. Delicate layers of creamy cheesecake and caramelized sugar create an irresistible harmony you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 325°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to create a compact base. Press a tablespoon of mixture firmly into each cupcake liner’s bottom.
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition.
4. Gently fold in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully integrated and uniform.
5. Carefully distribute cheesecake batter over prepared crusts, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring centers are set but retain a slight wobble. Look for a gentle jiggle when gently shaken.
7. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
8. Refrigerate cupcakes for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal chilling and texture.
9. Prior to serving, generously dust each cupcake with a teaspoon of sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar surface until a crisp, golden-brown crust forms.
10. Allow caramelized sugar to set for one minute before presenting and serving the cupcakes.

Notes

• Customize the graham cracker crust by adding ground nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends perfectly.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the sugar-topped cupcakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg