Dreamy Elegant Creme Brulee Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Fans
Creamy and decadent, these elegant creme brulee cupcakes blend classic French dessert techniques with a modern twist.
Soft vanilla cake cups cradle a luscious custard filling that melts in your mouth.
The caramelized sugar topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky smooth interior.
Each bite promises a luxurious experience that elevates the humble cupcake to a gourmet treat.
The recipe combines simplicity with elegance, making it perfect for special occasions or a weekend indulgence.
Prepare to impress your guests with these showstopping cupcakes that turn an ordinary moment into a memorable culinary celebration.
Creme Brulee Cupcakes Ingredient Checklist
For Base Ingredients:For Wet Ingredients:For Custard Filling:For Brulee Topping:Tools That Help Torch, Top, and Bake These Beauties
How to Make Creme Brulee Cupcakes That Crack and Cream
Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and grab your muffin tin. Dress it up with pretty paper liners.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until cloud-like and fluffy. Drop in eggs one by one, stirring in vanilla. Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the mixture, blending until smooth.
Pour batter evenly into liners. Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan until totally smooth. Warm milk in another pan. Slowly stream warm milk into egg mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Pull off heat, mix in vanilla and butter. Cool completely.
Carve out cupcake centers using a knife. Pipe luxurious custard into each hollow cupcake.
Sprinkle sugar across cupcake tops. Use a kitchen torch to transform sugar into a crackling golden crust.
Enjoy these decadent treats right away to savor the crispy caramel layer!
Adjust the Filling or Add Some Zest
Serve With a Fancy Touch or Casual Treat
Store in the Fridge for That Chilled Crunch
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 270 kcal
Servings: 12
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Elegant Creme Brulee Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 13 1x
Description
Delectable creme brulee cupcakes blend French pastry elegance with classic American cupcake charm. Caramelized sugar tops creamy vanilla custard, offering you a delightful culinary experience in each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line muffin tin with decorative paper liners.
- Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform mixture.
- Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency with a pale, velvety texture.
- Egg Integration: Whisk eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, blending thoroughly with vanilla extract to enhance flavor profile.
- Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the mixture, stirring minimally to preserve a delicate crumb.
- Cupcake Preparation: Fill cupcake liners three-quarters full, ensuring even distribution of batter.
- Baking Process: Bake for 18-22 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Custard Creation: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth, then gradually incorporate warm milk while stirring continuously.
- Custard Refinement: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a luxurious consistency, then remove from heat and enrich with vanilla and butter.
- Filling Technique: Use a piping bag to inject custard into cupcake centers, creating a surprise filling within each delicate cake.
- Caramelization Finale: Sprinkle a gossamer layer of sugar across the surface and use a kitchen torch to transform the top into a glistening, crackling caramel crown.
- Serving Suggestion: Present immediately to showcase the dramatic contrast between the tender cupcake and its crisp, golden topping.
Notes
- Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients and milk to maintain a light, tender cupcake texture, avoiding tough results from excessive stirring.
- Precision in Tempering: Slowly add warm milk to egg mixture while constantly whisking to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky custard base.
- Master Sugar Caramelization: Use a kitchen torch with steady, even movements to create a perfect golden-brown caramel top without burning the sugar.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes and custard to cool completely before filling and topping to maintain structural integrity and optimal flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.