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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing and set oven temperature to 325F (163C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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