Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the best of two classic desserts: the silky, tangy richness of cheesecake and the irresistible burnt sugar crust of crème brûlée. This elegant miniature treat allows for individual servings, making it perfect for parties, special occasions, or an impressive dinner finale.
The history of crème brûlée, with its origins in 17th-century France, brings a timeless sophistication, while the American favorite cheesecake lends a creamy, decadent base. The union of these two confections in a miniature form results in a dessert that is both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
These mini cheesecakes are baked in a muffin tin or individual ramekins, then finished with a classic caramelized sugar topping, offering the theatrical appeal of cracking the top with a spoon. Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are growing in popularity due to their perfect portion size and gourmet appearance.
For more on the history and techniques of crème brûlée, visit History of Crème Brûlée at Saveur (https://www.saveur.com/classic-creme-brulee-recipe/). Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and yields spectacular results every time.
Ingredients for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
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- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions for Making Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
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- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup. Press down firmly to form an even base.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
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- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup sugar and salt. Beat until well incorporated.
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add sour cream, vanilla, and heavy cream. Beat on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
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- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove cheesecakes from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow cheesecakes to set.
- Before serving, remove paper liners. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each mini cheesecake.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp. Let cool for 2 minutes to allow the topping to harden.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake is a delightful indulgence, offering a balance of creamy dairy, protein, and carbohydrates. On average, each serving contains approximately 225 calories, 16 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein.
The bulk of the calories come from the cream cheese and heavy cream, which contribute to the dessert’s rich and satisfying mouthfeel. The crust adds a small amount of additional carbohydrates, while the brûléed sugar topping provides a sweet, caramelized finish.
While these treats are decadent, they are served in modest portions, making them a suitable choice for special events and celebrations.
For those interested in a more detailed breakdown of ingredients and their nutritional profiles, visit the USDA Food Data Central (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/). When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes can be a delightful way to savor dessert without overindulging.
Moderation is key, especially for individuals monitoring their sugar or fat intake.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a sophisticated finish, serve with a glass of Sauternes, a sweet French dessert wine whose honeyed notes complement the caramelized sugar topping.
Alternatively, a late harvest Riesling or Moscato offers bright acidity to balance the richness of the cheesecake. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider a well-brewed cup of coffee or an herbal tea such as chamomile or rooibos, which gently contrasts the dessert’s sweetness.
Sparkling water with a twist of lemon can also refresh the palate between bites.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Achieving the perfect Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake requires attention to detail at each stage. Start with room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling. For the crust, firmly pressing the graham cracker mixture prevents crumbling and ensures easy removal from the muffin tin.
When mixing the batter, avoid overbeating, which can introduce air and cause cracks during baking. Baking in a water bath can provide gentle, even heat, but is optional for mini cheesecakes. Cool the cheesecakes gradually to prevent sinking.
For the brûlée topping, a kitchen torch is the most effective tool, as it quickly caramelizes the sugar without warming the cheesecake underneath. If you don’t have a torch, place the cheesecakes under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
For creative variations, swap graham cracker crumbs for chocolate wafer or ginger snap crumbs, or infuse the cheesecake batter with citrus zest or espresso for a unique twist. Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are also delicious topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel.
For more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking (https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/bakers-glossary).
Serving Suggestions
For an elegant presentation, serve Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprig of mint or a handful of fresh raspberries for a pop of color. These individual desserts are perfect for buffets, afternoon teas, or as the grand finale to a dinner party.
To maintain their crisp brûlée topping, torch the sugar just before bringing them to the table. If you are entertaining, you can prepare the cheesecakes and crusts a day ahead, then add the caramelized sugar topping right before serving.
For a special touch, offer a variety of toppings such as edible flowers, shaved chocolate, or a light dusting of powdered sugar (applied before the brûlée step). Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes make excellent gifts or party favors—simply place each one in a decorative cupcake wrapper and box.
Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, their irresistible combination of creamy base and crackly top will delight guests of all ages. Serving them with small dessert spoons enhances the interactive experience of breaking through the caramelized sugar, adding a sense of occasion to every bite.
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Health Benefits
While Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are a rich dessert, they offer several nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Cream cheese provides a source of calcium and vitamin A, both essential for bone health and immune function. Eggs contribute high-quality protein and important nutrients such as choline and vitamin D.
By making individual portions, you can better manage serving size and caloric intake, which supports mindful eating practices. For those watching their sugar, consider using a sugar substitute for the filling (keeping in mind the topping requires real sugar for proper caramelization).
The recipe can also be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free graham crackers. While high in fat and sugar, the key to incorporating desserts like this into a balanced diet is portion control and enjoying them as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
For more information about healthy eating and desserts, check the American Heart Association’s tips on dessert moderation (https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-to-enjoy-sweets-without-overdoing-it).
FAQs About Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Can I make Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base cheesecakes up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for the best texture.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for the brûlée topping?
If you don’t own a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler function. Place the cheesecakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Can Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftover Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, brûlée the sugar just before serving leftovers.
Is it possible to freeze Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes?
You can freeze the cheesecakes without the sugar topping for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the brûlée topping just before serving.
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes offer a luxurious, crowd-pleasing dessert that marries the best elements of cheesecake and classic crème brûlée. These mini masterpieces are not only visually stunning but also deliver a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and caramelized flavors. Ideal for celebrations, entertaining, or a personal treat, they allow you to bring a touch of French elegance to any occasion. With helpful tips and versatile variations, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all experience levels. Serve them with your favorite beverage, and watch your guests delight in breaking through the crisp sugar shell. Try this recipe today and elevate your dessert repertoire with Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes.