Description
Mini creme brulee cheesecakes blend classic French dessert elegance with creamy New York cheesecake tradition. Caramelized sugar tops delicate cream cheese filling, offering sweet satisfaction for discerning palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 4 tbsps (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps (30 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until sandy-textured, then distribute evenly across muffin cups, pressing firmly to create a compact foundation. Briefly toast in preheated oven at 350°F until set, then cool completely.
- Create Filling: Whip cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until silky smooth. Integrate eggs individually, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt until uniformly blended.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Pour filling into prepared crusts, nearly reaching the top. Bake in preheated oven until centers appear set but retain a subtle jiggle when gently nudged. Remove and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Chill and Set: Transfer cheesecakes to refrigerator and allow to firm completely for several hours. Once chilled, carefully extract from paper liners and arrange on heat-resistant surface.
- Caramelize Topping: Sprinkle a delicate, even layer of sugar across each cheesecake’s surface. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize sugar until achieving a golden, crisp veneer. Allow caramelized topping to cool momentarily before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking Technique: Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter and gently fold ingredients to maintain a smooth, crack-free texture.
- Temperature Control: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free filling.
- Precise Baking Approach: Watch for a slight jiggle in the center when baking; this indicates perfectly cooked cheesecakes that will set during cooling.
- Torch Caramelization Tip: Move the kitchen torch constantly while creating the brulee top to prevent burning and achieve an even golden-brown caramelization.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg