Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe
These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping reminiscent of crème brûlée. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and velvety filling, these individual-sized desserts are perfect for elegant gatherings or a decadent treat.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (125 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (500 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks (about 70 g), room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 ml) whipping cream (35%), chilled
Caramelized Topping
- 12 teaspoons granulated sugar (fine)
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the mixture has a sandy texture.
- Form the Crust: Butter each cavity of a mini cheesecake pan. Scoop one tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into each cavity and press firmly with a tamper or the back of a small spoon to evenly create a crust layer. Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl fitted with the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Incorporate Whipping Cream: Pour the chilled whipping cream into the cream cheese mixture and mix gently until fully combined and smooth.
- Fill the Cheesecake Cavities: Using an ice cream scoop, fill each prepared crust cavity with the cheesecake batter until full. Gently shake the pan to level the tops.
- Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the cheesecakes for 15 minutes, watching closely at about 12 minutes. If the batter starts to puff and overflow, remove from the oven immediately to prevent spills.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to come to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours to set properly.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Once chilled, carefully remove each cheesecake from the pan. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fine granulated sugar evenly on top of each mini cheesecake. Using a culinary blow torch, heat the sugar evenly until it melts and forms a golden-brown, crisp caramel layer. Let the caramelized topping cool for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
- Watch the cheesecakes carefully during baking to prevent overflow and cracking.
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits if graham crackers are unavailable.
- If you don’t have a blow torch, briefly place the cheesecakes under a hot broiler, watching closely to caramelize the sugar without burning.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: mini cheesecake, crème brûlée, graham cracker crust, caramelized topping, individual desserts, creamy cheesecake