Description
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the crisp, caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée, offering the best of both desserts.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the crème brûlée topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until evenly moistened, then press firmly into the bottom of the springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside the oven.
- Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- After the cheesecake has chilled, sprinkle the top with an even layer of granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in circular motions until golden and crispy. Alternatively, use a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the sugar topping to harden for a minute before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a fruit topping, add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries after caramelizing the sugar.Use a flavored crust, such as chocolate cookies or crushed vanilla wafers, for a different twist.For a chocolate variation, add a layer of melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling before baking.If you don’t have heavy cream, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be substituted for a tangy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
