This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake combines two iconic desserts: the creamy richness of a New York–style cheesecake and the crackly caramelized sugar crust of classic crème brûlée. Smooth, elegant, and finished with a dramatic torching, it’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients (Servings: 8–10)
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the brûlée topping:
- ¼–½ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing on top)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the crust:
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Make the cheesecake batter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each addition. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and salt until fully incorporated.
3️⃣ Bake the cheesecake:
Pour the batter over the crust. Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
4️⃣ Chill completely:
Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
5️⃣ Brûlée the top:
Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of sugar over the top of the cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crackly. Let the topping harden for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves for Creme Brûlée Cheesecake
- 9-Inch Springform Pan – Ensures easy release and perfect shape.
- Cream Cheese Blocks – The base of any rich cheesecake.
- Kitchen Torch – Essential for caramelizing the brûlée topping.
- Mixing Bowls – Perfect for combining batters smoothly.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – For the classic cheesecake crust.
- Spatula Set – Helps achieve a silky, lump-free batter.
💡 Helpful Tip:
For an ultra-smooth cheesecake, make sure all ingredients (especially the cream cheese and eggs) are fully at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and gives that signature crème brûlée custard-like texture.
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