Description
These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are a show-stopping fusion of creamy cheesecake, moist vanilla cake, and the iconic crackle of caramelized sugar. A bite delivers rich layers of texture and flavor—perfect for elegant dinner parties, cozy gatherings, or when you’re craving a gourmet-style dessert at home. With simple pantry ingredients, no water bath, and a cupcake format, this easy recipe transforms classic French dessert elegance into a handheld treat. It’s one of those quick dessert food ideas that doubles as an impressive sweet for any occasion. A must-try if you’re browsing easy dinner ideas or need breakfast ideas that feel indulgent.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup brown sugar or granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Lightly grease them.
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until silky and creamy. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter and remaining sugar. Whisk in the other egg, milk, and a touch more vanilla if desired.
4. Sift in flour and baking powder. Fold gently until smooth.
5. Spoon about 1 tbsp of cupcake batter into each liner, then top with a generous spoonful of the cheesecake mixture.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the centers are just set and the edges golden. Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
8. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cupcake. Caramelize using a torch or under the broiler until golden.
9. Let the sugar set and harden. Optionally dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
Chill cupcakes thoroughly before brûlée topping for clean caramelization.
Don’t overbake—the center should have a slight jiggle when ready.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg