Description
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake combines the smooth, tangy richness of classic cheesecake with the indulgent, caramelized top of a crème brûlée. This dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy filling, and a crisp, sugary topping that adds texture and flavor. It’s a showstopper dessert that will impress anyone who tries it!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and has a sandy texture.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream and granulated sugar, and continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.
- Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Then, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the brown sugar until it turns golden and crispy. (If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cheesecake under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.)
- Let the sugar cool and harden for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to bring the cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before making the filling for the smoothest texture.
- The cheesecake needs to chill for several hours, so plan ahead when making this dessert.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, the broiler method works, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning the sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including crust and cheesecake baking time)
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake, Special Occasion
- Method: Baking, Caramelizing
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired