Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the crisp caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for special occasions or when you want a luxurious treat without making a full cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, silky vanilla filling, and a crunchy sugar topping, these mini cheesecakes will impress every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy – Smooth cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping.
• Perfectly Portioned – Mini size makes them great for parties.
• Easy to Make – No water bath required!
• Impressive Yet Simple – The brûlée topping adds a fancy touch with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 cup) – Creates a crunchy base.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp) – Slight sweetness for the crust.
• Melted Butter (4 tbsp) – Binds the crust together.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – The rich base of the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup) – Sweetens the filling.
• Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the cheesecake.
• Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – Adds a silky texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, for caramelized topping) – Creates the signature brûlée crust.

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin tin or mini cheesecake pan
• Cupcake liners (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Spoon or spatula
• Torch (for caramelizing sugar)

How to Make Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease a mini cheesecake pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom.
4. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

5. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
6. Add the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
7. Spoon the cheesecake batter over the cooled crusts, filling each about ¾ full.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes

8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly jiggly.
9. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecakes cool inside for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar

11. Before serving, sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar over each mini cheesecake.
12. Use a torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for a minute to harden.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

13. Serve immediately and enjoy the crackly sugar topping with the creamy cheesecake!

What to Serve with Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the flavors.
• Whipped Cream – Adds a light, airy contrast.
• Espresso or Coffee – A perfect pairing for the rich dessert.

Tips for the Best Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Keeps the cheesecake creamy and smooth.
• Chill Before Adding Sugar – Ensures a firm texture for caramelizing.
• Use a Kitchen Torch – This gives the best brûlée topping. If you don’t have one, broil for 1–2 minutes (watch closely).
• Make Ahead Friendly – Store cheesecakes in the fridge and brûlée the sugar just before serving.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze without the brûlée topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and caramelize sugar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a torch?
Yes! Place them under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! Try Oreo crumbs, vanilla wafers, or even a nut-based crust.

Why is my cheesecake cracking?
Overbaking or mixing too much air into the batter can cause cracks. Make sure to mix gently and remove from the oven while slightly jiggly.

Conclusion

These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and caramelized goodness. With their buttery crust, silky filling, and crisp brûlée topping, they’re guaranteed to impress!

Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your creations on Pinterest! I’d love to see your delicious results.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cuisine: French-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 110mg

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