There are few desserts as iconic and luxurious as crème brûlée and cheesecake. Each offers its own brand of indulgence: crème brûlée is celebrated for its silky custard and crisp caramelized sugar top, while cheesecake is beloved for its rich, creamy texture and comforting sweetness. Now imagine the best of both worlds wrapped into one delightful, miniature dessert — introducing the irresistible Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes.
These elegant treats are individually portioned cheesecakes topped with a thin layer of crackly caramelized sugar, just like the classic French crème brûlée. They’re perfect for dinner parties, bridal showers, romantic dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress without the stress of slicing and plating.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
- 🍮 Two desserts in one: The fusion of cheesecake and crème brûlée delivers deep flavor and creamy texture with a caramelized crunch.
- 🎉 Party-perfect portions: These mini cheesecakes are made in muffin tins or ramekins — ideal for events or elegant individual servings.
- 🔥 Crackly sugar top: That satisfying crack of the brûléed sugar topping never gets old.
- 🧁 Make-ahead friendly: Prep these a day in advance and brûlée just before serving.
- 💡 Customizable: Infuse the cheesecake base with citrus, vanilla bean, espresso, or even liqueur.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
For the Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup superfine sugar (caster sugar works best)
- A kitchen torch (or broiler, see notes below)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Standard or mini muffin pan (silicone molds work best for easy release)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Cupcake liners (if not using silicone)
- Kitchen torch (recommended)
- Cooling rack
- Optional: water bath for ultra-smooth texture
How to Make Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
🧁 Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Divide evenly into your lined or greased muffin cups and press down firmly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake crusts for 5–7 minutes, then let cool while you prepare the filling.
🍰 Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
- Add sugar and mix well, scraping down the sides.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, sour cream, heavy cream, and salt. Mix until smooth but do not overbeat (to avoid cracks).
- Spoon the cheesecake batter over the cooled crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
💦 Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes
- For ultra-smooth cheesecakes, place the muffin pan in a larger baking dish and fill halfway with hot water to create a water bath (optional but recommended).
- Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the centers are just set and slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door; let cheesecakes cool inside for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and chill completely in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
🔥 Step 4: Add the Brûlée Topping
- Just before serving, remove mini cheesecakes from the fridge.
- Blot the tops gently with a paper towel to remove any condensation.
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of superfine sugar on each cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and turns a rich amber color.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes to allow the sugar to harden into a crisp shell.
No torch? You can use the broiler, but it’s trickier:
- Place cheesecakes on a baking tray near the broiler element.
- Broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Chill again briefly to reset the texture before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These mini desserts are show-stoppers on their own, but you can elevate them with:
- 🍓 Fresh berries or berry coulis for tart contrast
- 🍫 Chocolate curls or drizzle for indulgence
- 🍊 Candied citrus zest for a refined twist
- 🌱 A sprig of mint for a touch of freshness
Pair with espresso, dessert wine, or champagne for the ultimate experience.
Storage Tips
- ❄️ Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (before brûléeing).
- 🔥 Brûlée the sugar just before serving for the crispiest top.
- 📦 Freeze the cheesecakes (without sugar topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the creamiest filling.
- Don’t overbake — the center should still jiggle slightly when done.
- Always chill completely before brûléeing to prevent a melted top.
- Use superfine sugar for the most even caramelization.
- For added flavor, infuse the cream cheese batter with lemon zest, espresso powder, or a splash of liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Baileys).
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes: The Dessert of Your Dreams
These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are proof that decadence doesn’t have to come in oversized portions. They’re dainty, delicious, and downright dazzling. With their smooth, vanilla-scented filling and that signature sugar shell you get to crack with a spoon, each bite delivers a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a fancy celebration, or just treating yourself, these petite desserts bring the wow-factor — no pastry school degree required.