Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Save this recipe on:

There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake and the rich, caramelized top of a classic crème brûlée. These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes take that experience to the next level. Each bite is a heavenly blend of silky cheesecake, a crisp caramelized sugar crust, and a buttery graham cracker base. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you simply crave something indulgent yet elegantly portioned.

I love making these mini desserts because they offer all the sophistication of a traditional crème brûlée with the irresistible richness of cheesecake — plus, they’re easy to serve individually. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these little beauties will steal the show.

---

Why You’ll Love These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Perfectly Portioned: No slicing or messy serving — each guest gets their own adorable dessert.
• Incredible Texture: The smooth, creamy cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the crunchy caramelized sugar layer.
• Impressive Yet Easy: They look sophisticated, but they’re surprisingly simple to make.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or just satisfying a sweet craving.

---

What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

For these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes, a classic graham cracker crust is my go-to. It provides a buttery, slightly crunchy base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a crushed Biscoff cookie crust for a spiced twist or crushed Oreos for a richer flavor. No matter which you choose, make sure to press the crust firmly into the base of your muffin tin or ramekins to create a solid foundation.

---

Options for Substitutions

If you need to adapt the recipe, here are some great alternatives:

• Crust Alternative: Swap graham crackers for crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
• Dairy-Free Cheesecake: Use a plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream for a rich yet dairy-free alternative.
• Sugar Substitute: For a lower-sugar option, try coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative like erythritol for the cheesecake filling.
• Caramelized Topping: Traditional white sugar works best for achieving that signature brûlée crust, but brown sugar can add a deeper caramel flavor.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a hint of citrus zest, a dash of cinnamon, or a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier for a unique touch.

---

Ingredients for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Graham cracker crumbs – These create the perfect buttery and crunchy base for your mini cheesecakes.
• Butter – Melted butter binds the crust together, ensuring it holds its shape.
• Cream cheese – The heart of the cheesecake filling, giving it that smooth, rich texture.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake and is essential for achieving the caramelized brûlée topping.
• Eggs – Help provide structure and stability to the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor.
• Heavy cream – Ensures the filling is luxuriously smooth and creamy.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavor balance.
• Optional lemon zest – For a hint of brightness that complements the rich filling.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing it firmly to create a solid base. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.

---

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. For added brightness, mix in optional lemon zest.

---

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crusts, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

---

Step 4: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping

Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over each one. Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar until it bubbles and turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, place the cheesecakes under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

---

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow the brûléed topping to cool and harden before serving. For the best texture, serve the cheesecakes chilled to enjoy the creamy filling with the crunchy sugar crust.

---

How Long to Cook Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

These mini cheesecakes need to bake for 18-20 minutes at 325°F (163°C). The centers should still have a slight jiggle when you remove them from the oven — they will firm up as they cool. After baking, allow them to cool to room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best texture) before adding the caramelized topping.

---

Tips for Perfect Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream are at room temperature for a silky-smooth filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Beating the batter too much can introduce air bubbles, which may cause cracks in the cheesecakes. Mix until just combined.
• Even Crusts: Use a flat-bottomed glass or spoon to firmly press the crust mixture into the muffin tin for consistent thickness.
• Gentle Baking: Bake the cheesecakes in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the oven’s lower rack to keep the environment humid, preventing cracks.
• Perfect Brûlée: For the best caramelized sugar crust, sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top and torch it until golden brown. Avoid over-torching, as the sugar can burn quickly.
• Chill Before Brûlée: Make sure your cheesecakes are well-chilled before adding the sugar topping to keep the filling firm.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Chill Time: Rushing the cooling process will result in a soft and unstable cheesecake texture. Allow ample time for chilling.
• Overbaking: Baking the cheesecakes until fully firm can cause dryness and cracks. They should have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
• Burning the Sugar Topping: Keep a close eye when using the torch or broiler — the sugar can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
• Uneven Sugar Layer: A patchy sugar coating can result in an inconsistent brûlée. Spread the sugar evenly for a smooth, crunchy top.
• Skipping the Muffin Liners or Grease: Without proper lining or greasing, cheesecakes may stick to the tin, making them difficult to remove.
• Overfilling the Cups: Filling them too high can cause the cheesecakes to overflow and crack. Aim to fill them about 3/4 full.
• Forgetting the Water Bath: While optional, a water bath can significantly reduce the risk of cracks in your cheesecakes.
• Torching Too Soon: Torch the sugar topping just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

---

What to Serve With Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

1. Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries balances the rich cheesecake beautifully.

2. Whipped Cream

A dollop of light and airy whipped cream adds a delicate touch to each cheesecake.

3. Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent twist.

4. Espresso or Coffee

The bold flavors of coffee perfectly complement the creamy sweetness of these cheesecakes.

5. Salted Caramel Sauce

For extra indulgence, drizzle a little salted caramel on the plate before serving.

6. Pistachios or Almonds

A sprinkle of crushed nuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

7. Fruit Compote

A warm or chilled fruit compote made with cherries, blueberries, or peaches makes a lovely pairing.

8. Vanilla Ice Cream

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve your cheesecakes with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

---

Storage Instructions

To keep your Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration: Store the cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, caramelize the sugar topping just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the cheesecakes (without the brûlée topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then add the sugar topping and torch before serving.
• Leftover Brûlée Topping: If you’ve already caramelized the sugar, note that the crisp texture may soften in the fridge. While still tasty, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per Mini Cheesecake:

• Calories: ~230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 130mg
• Sugar: 16g

Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cheesecakes can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before serving. For best results, add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving to keep it crisp.

2. Do I need a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar?

While a torch offers the best control, you can achieve a similar result using your oven’s broiler. Just place the cheesecakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

3. Why did my cheesecakes crack?

Cracks usually happen from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Bake until the center has a slight jiggle, and avoid mixing the filling too vigorously.

4. Can I make these without muffin liners?

Yes, but be sure to grease your muffin tin thoroughly or use silicone molds for easy removal.

5. Can I use a different type of sugar for the brûlée topping?

Granulated sugar works best for caramelizing evenly, but brown sugar can add a deeper, richer caramel flavor.

6. What’s the best way to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling?

Use room temperature ingredients and mix the batter until just combined. Avoid overbeating to prevent air bubbles.

7. How can I make these cheesecakes gluten-free?

Simply swap the graham cracker crust for gluten-free cookies or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

8. Can I add extra flavors to the cheesecake filling?

Absolutely! Try adding lemon zest, orange zest, or a splash of liqueur for a unique flavor twist.

---

Conclusion

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the best of both worlds — rich, creamy cheesecake with a satisfying caramelized sugar crust. They’re elegant yet simple enough to make for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something indulgent, these delightful mini desserts are sure to impress. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!

---

Print