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Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

These adorable mini cheesecakes combine the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the crunchy caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée, creating a decadent dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 175
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs homemade for added flavor or store-bought for convenience
  • 3 tbsp melted butter unsalted recommended for better control over sweetness
For the cheesecake filling
  • 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened full-fat is recommended for a rich texture
  • ½ cup granulated sugar plus more for caramelizing
  • 2 large eggs room temperature yields smoother batter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract use pure vanilla for the best flavor
  • ¼ cup heavy cream for that luscious cheesecake texture
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar for topping to create the coveted brûlée crust

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until perfectly smooth, about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Gently fold in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until just combined.
  5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in each liner, filling them about ¾ full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
  7. Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely in the pan for about an hour, then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
  8. Once chilled, sprinkle about a teaspoon of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake and using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy layer.

Notes

These mini cheesecakes are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with different flavors. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month without the topping.