vanilla bean crème brûlée cheesecake cupcakes
Indulge in decadent vanilla bean crème brûlée cheesecake cupcakes, blending creamy cheesecake with rich vanilla and a caramelized topping. Perfect for celebrations, these treats deliver luxury and crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite – easy to make and impossible to resist!
Introduction
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a culinary journey that marries the sophistication of crème brûlée with the comfort of cheesecake, all in a delightful cupcake form. These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are the epitome of indulgence, promising to elevate any occasion with their exquisite flavor and presentation.
Why is it Perfect for You?
These cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a statement. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special milestone, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious snack, these cupcakes fit the bill perfectly. They combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the satisfying crack of a crème brûlée topping, offering a multi-sensory experience that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients List
◾ 225g cream cheese, softened
◾ 100g granulated sugar
◾ 2 large eggs
◾ 120ml heavy cream
◾ 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
◾ 1 tsp vanilla extract
◾ 200g graham cracker crumbs
◾ 60g unsalted butter, melted
◾ 50g brown sugar (for topping)
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of 12 cupcake liners placed in a muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes to set the crust, then allow to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth, creamy batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly among the prepared crusts. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar over each chilled cupcake. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crisp top. If you don’t have a torch, you can briefly place the cupcakes under a broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutritional Information
These cupcakes are a rich treat, best enjoyed in moderation. Each cupcake contains approximately:
◾ Calories: 320
◾ Fat: 22g
◾ Carbohydrates: 28g
◾ Protein: 4g
◾ Sugar: 18g
Calories per Person
Each Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcake contains approximately 320 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, consider these substitutions:
◾ Use low-fat cream cheese
◾ Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt
◾ Opt for a sugar substitute in the filling
◾ Use almond flour instead of graham crackers for the crust
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cupcakes chilled, immediately after caramelizing the top. They pair beautifully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overmixing the batter, which can lead to cracks
◾ Overbaking, resulting in a dry texture
◾ Not chilling the cupcakes adequately before caramelizing
◾ Applying too much sugar for the brûlée topping
Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, caramelize the sugar topping just before serving to maintain the perfect crackle.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and add the caramelized topping just before serving.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
You can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar topping. Place the cupcakes on a baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar, and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without the brûlée topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the caramelized sugar before serving.
Conclusion
These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a culinary experience. With their creamy texture, rich vanilla flavor, and that irresistible crackle of caramelized sugar, they’re sure to become a favorite for special occasions or whenever you need a touch of luxury in your day. So go ahead, indulge, and savor every delectable bite!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
