Indulge in the luxurious fusion of two classic desserts with our Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes. These delightful treats combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the signature caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée, all infused with the aromatic essence of real vanilla bean. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant everyday indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredient List:
For the crust, gather:
- 1 cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs (recommend: Honey Maid Graham Cracker Crumbs)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted (recommend: Land O’Lakes Unsalted Butter)
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened (recommend: Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (recommend: Daisy Sour Cream)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (recommend: Horizon Organic Heavy Whipping Cream)
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (recommend: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)
For that irresistible brûlée topping:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Clear Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner. Use the back of a spoon or a small glass to press the crumbs firmly into an even layer.
- Bake the Crust:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners:
- Evenly distribute the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Bake the Cupcakes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are set and the tops are slightly puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
- Add the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Just before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each chilled cupcake.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in a circular motion until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Allow the sugar to harden for a few minutes before serving.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Active Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling and Chilling Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Kitchen torch (for caramelizing the sugar topping)
Tips and Techniques
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
- Caramelizing the Sugar: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under the oven broiler. Place the cupcakes on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Flavor Profile
These cupcakes offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a solid base for the creamy, velvety cheesecake filling, which is infused with the rich, aromatic essence of vanilla bean. The crowning glory is the crisp, caramelized sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch and a hint of caramel flavor, reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnishes: Top each cupcake with a fresh raspberry or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Accompaniments: Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling, to complement the rich flavors.
- Presentation: For an elegant touch, dust the serving plate with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder before placing the cupcake.
Enjoy these Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes as a sophisticated dessert that beautifully marries the best elements of two classic favorites.
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