Silky Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent desserts reach new heights with this vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes that blend creamy textures and rich flavors.

Each delicate bite promises a luxurious experience combining classic French and American pastry techniques.

Silky smooth cheesecake mingles with delicate vanilla undertones, creating an irresistible treat.

The caramelized sugar topping adds a delightful crunch that breaks through the velvety cream cheese base.

Elegant yet approachable, these cupcakes elevate any gathering with their sophisticated charm.

Small in size but massive in flavor, they deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this extraordinary dessert that transforms ordinary moments into memorable culinary adventures.

Why Vanilla Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Shine

• Craft a Showstopping Dessert: Impress guests with a stunning Bundt cake that looks professional and tastes extraordinary, featuring elegant rosemary and bright lemon flavors that elevate your baking game.
• Versatile Culinary Adventure: Explore unique herb-infused baking by incorporating fresh rosemary, creating a sophisticated dessert that bridges savory and sweet with unexpected flavor combinations.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated Technique: Master candied rosemary garnish, transforming a basic cake into a gourmet masterpiece with minimal extra effort and maximum visual impact.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Cake: Perfect for special occasions like brunches, afternoon tea, or elegant gatherings where you want a memorable dessert that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Everything for Creme Brulee Cupcake Success

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake cupcakes.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter acts as the binding agent for the crust mixture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the rich and creamy base of the cheesecake cupcakes.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean Seeds: Infuse the cheesecake with deep, aromatic vanilla flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy taste to the cheesecake filling.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates the signature crisp, caramelized crust of a classic creme brulee.

Steps for Making Cheesecake Cupcakes Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 325F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute cupcake liners, creating a cozy home for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix until the ingredients form a perfect, cohesive mixture that looks like delightful sand.

Step 3: Build Crust Foundation

Scoop about a tablespoon of the crust mixture into each cupcake liner.

Use the back of a spoon to press down firmly, creating a smooth, compact base that will support your cheesecake.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes silky smooth and dreamy.

• Vanilla extract
• Vanilla bean seeds
• Sour cream

Blend until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon the luscious cheesecake batter over the crusts, filling each liner almost to the top. The anticipation is building!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for centers that are set but still have a slight jiggle – the hallmark of a perfect cheesecake.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool to room temperature. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.

Step 8: Caramelize Brulee Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over each cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a golden, crackly crust.

Watch it turn into a beautiful amber color, then let it cool and harden for a moment.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Crack through the caramelized sugar with your spoon and dive into these heavenly Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes.

Pure bliss awaits!

Notes for Creamy and Caramelized Cupcakes

• Evenly distribute granulated sugar across the top of each chilled cheesecake for a perfectly uniform caramelized crust.
• Hold the kitchen torch 2-3 inches away from the sugar surface, moving continuously to prevent burning and achieve a golden, crisp layer.
• Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to ensure a firm texture and easier handling when removing cupcake liners.
• Use fresh vanilla bean seeds or high-quality vanilla bean paste for an intense, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Let cream cheese soften before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends effortlessly.

Creative Cupcake Swaps for Dessert Fans

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swap vanilla bean for cocoa powder and add melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake batter for a rich chocolate variation.
• Tropical Remix: Incorporate coconut extract and top with toasted coconut flakes instead of traditional brulee topping for a tropical-inspired treat.
• Low-Carb Option: Use a nut-based crust with erythritol or stevia instead of sugar, and replace regular cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative for a diabetic-friendly dessert.

Pairings for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Pair Creamy Dessert Delights: Rich vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes deserve perfect companions.
• Sip Complementary Wines: Select a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti with sweet, light notes that beautifully balance the dessert's creamy texture and caramelized sugar crust.
• Match Beverage Elegance: Serve a smooth French vanilla cappuccino or a delicate chamomile tea to enhance the vanilla undertones and provide a warm, comforting contrast to the chilled cupcakes.
• Garnish Flavor Boosters: Top with fresh raspberries or a light dusting of edible gold flakes to add visual appeal and a subtle tartness that cuts through the dessert's richness.

Storing Cheesecake Cupcakes the Right Way

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 4 days. Keep them flat in a single layer to prevent damage to the caramelized sugar topping.
• 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.
• Sprinkle fresh sugar and torch just before serving to restore the crispy caramel crust after refrigeration. This method ensures a fresh, crackling top every time.
• These cupcakes taste best when served chilled directly from the refrigerator, maintaining their creamy texture and delicate vanilla flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these cupcakes unique?

The key ingredients are vanilla bean seeds (or paste), cream cheese, sour cream, and graham cracker crust, which combine the classic creme brulee caramelized sugar topping with a cheesecake base.

• Can I make these cupcakes without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use the broiler in your oven. Place the sugar-topped cupcakes about 4 inches from the broiler and watch carefully to prevent burning, rotating the pan for even caramelization.

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

The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause cracks and a dry texture, so watch them closely during the last few minutes of baking.

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Silky vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes deliver a luxurious French-inspired dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with caramelized sugar magic. Classic elegance meets modern indulgence in these compact, irresistible treats you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Cream Base:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar (for brulee topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until thoroughly blended.
3. Distribute approximately one tablespoon of crust mixture into each liner, compressing firmly with a spoon to create an even foundation.
4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing gently after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and sour cream until harmoniously integrated.
6. Carefully ladle cheesecake batter over prepared crusts, filling liners nearly to their rim.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until centers appear set yet retain a subtle tremor when gently nudged.
8. Extract from oven and allow cupcakes to normalize to room temperature.
9. Refrigerate for minimum two hours, ensuring complete chilling and structural solidity.
10. Prior to serving, delicately remove cupcake liners and dust each surface with granulated sugar.
11. Employ a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar, transforming surface into a golden, brittle shell.
12. Permit caramelized sugar to cool and solidify momentarily before serving.
13. Savor chilled, cracking the crisp brulee topping just moments before indulgence.

Notes

• Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use a digital thermometer to ensure cream cheese mixture reaches perfect smoothness without overbeating, preventing cracks in the cupcakes.
• If you don’t own a kitchen torch, carefully broil the sugar topping in the oven for 12 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Enhance flavor complexity by infusing cream cheese mixture with Madagascar vanilla beans or high-quality vanilla extract for deeper aromatic notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 92 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 33 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg