Description
Luxurious vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend French pastry techniques with American dessert creativity. Rich custard and caramelized sugar create an elegant, indulgent treat perfect for special celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 325F (160C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, setting the stage for an exquisite dessert.
- Graham Cracker Foundation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into each liner, establishing a robust, golden base.
- Cheesecake Filling Composition: Whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silken texture. Integrate vanilla bean seeds for aromatic complexity. Fold in eggs methodically, then incorporate heavy cream and vanilla extract, maintaining a delicate, ethereal consistency without overworking the batter.
- Baking Process: Disperse cheesecake mixture evenly across lined muffin compartments, filling three-quarters full. Bake until centers appear set yet subtly quivering, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Cooling and Chilling: Rest cupcakes at ambient temperature, then refrigerate for two hours to solidify structure and intensify flavor profiles.
- Caramelization Technique: Dust chilled cupcakes with granulated sugar. Transform surface using a kitchen torch to create a lustrous, amber-hued crust. Alternatively, broil briefly with vigilant monitoring to prevent charring.
- Presentation: Serve immediately post-caramelization, optionally garnishing with fresh berries or a mint leaf to enhance visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Avoid overmixing batter and overbaking to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface. Gently fold ingredients and remove from oven when centers slightly jiggle.
- Torch Technique: Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches from sugar surface, moving consistently to achieve even caramelization without burning. Practice on a separate surface to master the technique.
- Temperature Control: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture. Cold ingredients can create lumpy, uneven cheesecake filling.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cupcakes a day in advance and store refrigerated. Add caramelized sugar topping just before serving to maintain crisp caramel shell and prevent softening.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg