Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

The Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe For Sweet Lovers

Nestled between decadence and pure magic, these creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes spark culinary excitement like nothing else.

Sweet dreams start brewing the moment you peek at this remarkable dessert.

Delicate layers of creamy cheesecake mingle with classic french custard techniques.

Caramelized sugar crowns each miniature treat with a dramatic crackle.

Classic French pastry skills merge seamlessly with American bakery innovation.

Small yet sophisticated, these cupcakes promise an unforgettable flavor adventure.

Jump in and create something extraordinary that will make everyone swoon.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes: The Best of Both Worlds

  • Craft with Ease: These cupcakes combine the luxurious flavors of creme brulee and cheesecake without requiring advanced baking skills, making them perfect for home bakers of all levels.
  • Wow Your Guests: The stunning caramelized sugar topping creates a dramatic presentation that looks like it came from a professional bakery, impressing friends and family with minimal effort.
  • Portion-Perfect Treat: Individual cupcake servings make these desserts ideal for parties, potlucks, and gatherings where guests can enjoy a personal-sized indulgence without messy cutting.
  • Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transforming basic pantry staples like cream cheese, graham crackers, and sugar into an elegant dessert proves that gourmet flavors can emerge from everyday cooking.

What Goes Into Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the cupcake crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances the flavors.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a rich, velvety filling.
  • Eggs, Egg Yolks: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the filling.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Superfine Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized layer on top of the cupcakes, mimicking the classic creme brulee finish.

Instructions for Flawless Creme Brulee Cupcakes

Instructions for Flawless Creme Brulee Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Workspace

Preheat the oven to 275F (135C).

Grab a muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners.

Set up your baking station with all necessary tools and ingredients within reach.

Step 2: Create The Crunchy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham crackers
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into each cupcake liner, creating an even and compact crust.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Incorporate:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whole egg
  • Egg yolks
  • Sour cream
  • Pinch of salt

Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes completely uniform with no lumps visible.

Step 4: Fill The Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into each liner, filling them approximately three-quarters full.

This ensures proper rising and prevents overflow during baking.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 22-25 minutes until the filling sets and looks slightly firm.

The center should have a gentle wobble when softly shaken.

Step 6: Transform With Caramelized Sugar

Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Sprinkle a generous layer of superfine sugar across the top of each cupcake.

Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar until it turns a gorgeous golden-brown color with a glassy finish.

Tips for Crisp, Creamy Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Use fresh, room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother, creamier cheesecake texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter and overbaking to ensure a silky, crack-free surface on your cupcakes.
  • Move the torch slowly and evenly across the sugar to create a perfect, golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Refrigerate the cupcakes for at least an hour before serving to enhance the taste and set the texture.
  • Garnish with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that impresses guests.

Fun Variations for Creme Brulee Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cheesecake Cups: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream, and replace eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs.
  • Flavor Fusion: Infuse the cheesecake batter with lavender, espresso, or orange zest for a unique taste profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute like erythritol for caramelizing.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Arrange cupcakes on a white porcelain plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a sophisticated presentation.
  • Fresh Berry Companion: Top each cupcake with a few fresh raspberries or strawberry slices to add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich dessert.
  • Whipped Cream Swirl: Add a delicate dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream beside the cupcake, enhancing the creamy texture and visual appeal.
  • Coffee Pairing Suggestion: Serve alongside a small espresso or cappuccino to complement the rich, caramelized flavor of the creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes.

How to Store Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
  • Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Gently warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, but avoid overheating.
  • Sprinkle fresh superfine sugar and torch or broil just before serving to restore the crispy caramel layer when cupcakes have been stored.

FAQs

  • What makes the crust special in this recipe?

The crust is made with graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, creating a classic, buttery base that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

  • Can I use a different type of sugar for caramelizing?

Superfine sugar works best for creating a smooth, crisp caramel top. Regular granulated sugar might not melt as evenly or create the same delicate crackle.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cupcakes?

A kitchen torch is ideal for caramelizing the sugar, but you can also use your oven’s broiler as an alternative method to achieve the golden, crispy topping.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes blend classic French dessert elegance with American bakery charm. Rich custard meets creamy cheesecake in a miniature marvel that promises pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 9 graham crackers, finely crushed
  • 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 pinch of salt

Topping Ingredient:

  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) superfine sugar, for caramelizing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 275F (135C) and positioning cupcake liners inside a muffin tin for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Create a foundational crust by thoroughly combining crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into each liner’s base to establish a compact, uniform layer.
  3. Craft the cheesecake filling by whisking cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform texture, then gradually incorporating vanilla, whole egg, egg yolks, sour cream, and salt, blending until achieving a completely smooth, velvety consistency.
  4. Distribute the cheesecake mixture evenly into prepared liners, carefully filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising and prevent overflow during baking.
  5. Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets with a gentle, slight wobble at the center, indicating perfect doneness.
  6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely within the tin, creating a stable temperature environment that prevents cracking and maintains structural integrity.
  7. Finalize the dessert by delicately sprinkling superfine sugar across each cupcake’s surface, then utilizing a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar until it transforms into a crisp, golden-brown glaze.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing, preventing any unwanted texture in your cheesecake cupcakes.
  • Use a kitchen torch for precise caramelization, creating that perfect crispy sugar crust that cracks beautifully when tapped.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the delicious crust texture.
  • Chill cupcakes completely before caramelizing sugar to help the topping set quickly and create a more stable, crisp caramel layer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 296 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star