Crème Brûlée-Inspired Cupcakes

Crème brûlée-inspired cupcakes are a decadent twist on the classic French dessert. These cupcakes feature a rich and buttery vanilla base, with a caramelized sugar topping that mimics the signature crispy crust of crème brûlée. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes will surely impress with their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cupcake.
8. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy. (If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the cupcakes under a broiler for a few seconds, but be careful not to burn them.)
9. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Cupcakes: Try adding a bit of lemon zest or almond extract to the cupcake batter for a unique flavor twist.
• Fruit Topping: Top your crème brûlée-inspired cupcakes with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries for an added burst of color and flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: For chocolate lovers, try adding cocoa powder to the cupcake batter to create a chocolate version of crème brûlée cupcakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Reheating: If the caramelized topping loses its crispness, you can quickly reheat the cupcakes under a broiler for a few seconds, or use a kitchen torch again to bring back the crispy top.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just caramelize the sugar right before serving.
2. Do I need a kitchen torch for the caramelized sugar? While a kitchen torch is ideal, you can also place the cupcakes under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
3. Can I substitute the whole milk for another type of milk? Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, almond milk, or any other milk alternative.
4. What if I don’t have cupcake liners? If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can grease and flour the muffin tin directly to prevent sticking.
5. Can I use brown sugar for the caramelized topping? Granulated sugar is the best option for achieving a crisp, glass-like caramelized topping. Brown sugar may not melt in the same way.
6. Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the uncaramelized cupcakes. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Caramelize the sugar right before serving.
7. How do I store leftover cupcakes? Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week if needed.
8. Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular-sized cupcakes? Yes, simply adjust the baking time. Mini cupcakes will bake for about 10-12 minutes.
9. Can I make this recipe as a cake instead of cupcakes? Yes, you can pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. How do I ensure the sugar caramelizes evenly? Hold the kitchen torch about 2-3 inches from the surface of the cupcakes and move in a slow, circular motion to ensure even caramelization.

Conclusion

Crème brûlée-inspired cupcakes bring the elegance and rich flavor of the classic dessert to a fun and portable treat. With their light and fluffy texture, buttery flavor, and the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar on top, these cupcakes are perfect for any special occasion or when you want to indulge in a little sweet luxury. Enjoy the beautiful blend of flavors in every bite!

Print