Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fusion of Classics: This dessert marries two beloved classics—cheesecake and crème brûlée—into one harmonious treat.
• Individual Portions: The mini size makes them perfect for serving at gatherings, ensuring each guest enjoys their own elegant dessert.
• Textural Delight: The combination of a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake center, and crisp caramelized sugar topping offers a satisfying array of textures in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cheesecakes can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal when entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   • Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom of each cup to form the crust.
   • Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
   • Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
   • Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, distributing it evenly among the muffin cups.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the centers are set and the edges are slightly golden.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature.
   • Once cooled, transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
   • Just before serving, remove the cheesecakes from the refrigerator and gently peel off the paper liners.
   • Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake.
   • Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Allow the caramelized sugar to harden before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cheesecake batter for a mocha twist, or incorporate the seeds from a vanilla bean for an intensified vanilla flavor.
• Alternative Crusts: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed chocolate cookies or ginger snaps to complement different flavor profiles.
• Citrus Zest: Fold in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter to add a refreshing citrus note.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These mini cheesecakes can be frozen without the caramelized sugar topping. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the sugar topping and caramelize just before serving.

FAQs

What is the best method to caramelize the sugar topping?

Using a kitchen torch is the most effective way to achieve a crisp, caramelized sugar topping. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the sugared cheesecakes under a broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.

Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecakes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving to ensure it remains crisp.

Is it possible to make a full-sized version of this cheesecake?

Absolutely. To make a standard 9-inch cheesecake, you can adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and increase the baking time. Ensure the cheesecake is fully set before removing it from the oven.

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