The Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Crafting a delectable creme brulee cheesecake brings pure culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with rich custard flavors.

Sweet caramelized sugar creates a stunning golden crackle across each decadent slice.

Elegant desserts like these make ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

Classic French techniques merge seamlessly with creamy American cheesecake traditions.

Delightful textures and complex flavors promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Crack through that crisp caramel top and savor every luxurious bite.

What Makes Creme Brulee Cheesecake Special

• Master Speed Preparation: Blend everything in just a few minutes, making this tropical smoothie perfect for quick breakfast or snack cravings.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust sweetness levels by adding honey or agave, creating a personalized drink that matches your taste preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Goodness: Combines fresh strawberries and mangoes, delivering powerful vitamins, antioxidants, and natural energy in one delicious glass.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Bright colors and sweet taste make this smoothie appealing to children, encouraging them to enjoy a healthy drink without resistance.

What Goes in Creme Brulee Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the crust ingredients stick and creates a rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and tangy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet flavor that complements the cream cheese.

• Sugar: Used to create the classic caramelized creme brulee-style topping with a crisp, golden-brown layer.

Making Creme Brulee Cheesecake From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 325F. Generously coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crispy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar

Beat until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.

Gently fold in heavy cream and pure vanilla extract.

Step 4: Bake in Water Bath

Pour the silky filling over the cooled crust.

Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water. This prevents cracking and ensures even cooking.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is barely set but slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature.

Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or ideally overnight to develop rich flavors and firm texture.

Step 6: Create Caramelized Topping

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar across the cheesecake surface.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crispy shell.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow caramelized sugar to harden for 2-3 minutes.

Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled.

Helpful Notes for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Wrap the springform pan's exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust during the water bath.
• Gently tap the pan on the counter after mixing the cheesecake batter to release any air bubbles and ensure a creamy texture.
• Cool the cheesecake completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the dessert's pristine appearance.
• If you don't have a kitchen torch, create a caramelized topping by broiling the sugar for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Twist Options for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Lovers

• Lavender Dream: Infuse the cheesecake with dried lavender flowers in the filling, adding a subtle floral note that complements the creamy texture.
• Chocolate Decadence: Replace graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs and mix dark chocolate chunks into the cheesecake batter for a rich, intense flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture and top with candied citrus peel for a bright, refreshing profile.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle crushed toffee bits for added texture and depth of flavor.

How to Present Creme Brulee Cheesecake

• Decadent Dessert Duo: Serve this luxurious creme brulee cheesecake with complementary sides that enhance its rich, creamy texture.
• Fruit Elegance: Top with fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries to cut through the richness and add a vibrant color contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Garnish with a light chocolate sauce or dark chocolate shavings to elevate the dessert's complexity and provide a sophisticated touch.
• Creamy Companion: Pair with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the caramelized sugar's intense sweetness.

Best Way to Store Creme Brulee Cheesecake

• Place the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake carefully in two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil, storing flat in the freezer for maximum 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Cut individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve individual servings for quick and convenient future enjoyment.
• Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight, which helps maintain its creamy consistency and prevents potential texture changes.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this cheesecake unique?

The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla creates a luxurious texture, while the caramelized sugar topping gives a classic creme brulee twist to a traditional cheesecake.

• Why use a water bath when baking?

A water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even, gentle cooking by creating a moist environment and regulating the cheesecake’s temperature during baking.

• Do I need a kitchen torch to caramelize the top?

While a kitchen torch is ideal for creating a crisp caramel layer, you can also use the broiler in your oven, watching carefully to avoid burning the sugar.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic French creme brulee meets New York cheesecake in this luxurious dessert that combines creamy richness with caramelized sugar. Silky smooth textures and elegant flavors promise a memorable finale for sophisticated palates you’ll eagerly savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for caramelization)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing and set oven temperature to 325F (163C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly press mixture into pan bottom. Bake crust for 10 minutes and allow to completely cool.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky smooth consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, then gently fold in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
4. Transfer cheesecake mixture onto prepared crust, ensuring even distribution. Position pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water to create water bath. Bake for 50-60 minutes until center is slightly firm and exhibits minimal jiggle.
5. Remove cheesecake from oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
6. Prior to serving, generously dust surface with granulated sugar. Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown crust with delicate crackling texture.
7. Allow caramelized sugar layer to solidify for 2-3 minutes, then carefully slice and serve chilled cheesecake.

Notes

• Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently incorporating eggs at room temperature.
• Use a water bath to create even, gentle heat and maintain a silky smooth texture throughout the cheesecake.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a perfectly smooth and lump-free filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 452
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 205 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg