Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

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If you love creamy cheesecakes and the satisfying crackle of crème brûlée, you’re going to fall hard for this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake. These personal-sized desserts combine two timeless favorites in one show-stopping bite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, rich vanilla bean cheesecake center, and crisp caramelized sugar topping, they feel as elegant as a French dessert and as comforting as your favorite cheesecake.

Perfect for dinner parties or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat with a little flair, these cheesecakes come together more easily than you might think. The mini size makes them ideal for portion control and effortless serving—no slicing required.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

They’re decadent yet bite-sized, giving you that perfect balance of indulgence without going overboard. The torched sugar topping adds not only a beautiful golden finish but a satisfying contrast to the soft cheesecake below. Plus, they store well, making them a make-ahead favorite.

Do I Need a Kitchen Torch for the Topping?

A kitchen torch is the classic way to achieve that signature brûlée crust, giving you even caramelization in seconds. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry—you can still get that crispy sugar topping using your oven broiler. Just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Either method works, but the torch gives more control and less melting.

Ingredients for the Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Every element of this dessert is intentional, from the buttery crust to the silky center and the crackling finish.

Graham cracker crumbs provide that classic base with a toasty crunch and hint of sweetness that complements the cheesecake.

Melted butter binds the crumbs together into a crust that holds its shape and adds rich flavor.

Cream cheese is the creamy heart of the dessert, lending a smooth, tangy richness.

Granulated sugar sweetens both the cheesecake and the final brûlée top.

Eggs add structure, helping the cheesecake set into that perfect creamy texture.

Vanilla bean paste (or extract) infuses the filling with warm aromatic flavor.

Heavy cream adds luxurious silkiness to the batter.

Salt enhances all the other flavors with just a pinch.

Extra sugar (for brûléeing) forms that crisp, caramelized topping.

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How To Make the Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin tin or mini cheesecake mold. Bake for 5 minutes at 325°F and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and beat again until fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla bean paste, heavy cream, and salt. Mix just until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pour the batter over the cooled crusts, filling each cup almost to the top. Bake at 300°F for about 18–20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Add the Crème Brûlée Topping

Once chilled, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each mini cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crackly. If using a broiler, place under high heat for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

Serving and Storing Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

These mini cheesecakes are best served chilled with the sugar topping freshly torched for that dramatic crackle. They make a stunning finale for intimate dinners or festive gatherings. This recipe makes about 12 minis, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re planning ahead, wait to add the sugar topping until right before serving for best texture.

What to Serve With Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake?

Fresh Berries

A spoonful of fresh raspberries or blueberries adds a tart contrast to the sweet richness.

Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of a good espresso cuts through the creaminess perfectly.

Dark Chocolate Shavings

Sprinkle a few curls of dark chocolate on top for added depth.

Whipped Cream

A light dollop adds extra indulgence without overpowering the dessert.

Citrus Zest

Grated orange or lemon zest brings brightness that balances the creamy texture.

Sweet Dessert Wine

Pair with a Sauternes or Moscato for a luxurious experience.

Pistachio Dust

Crushed pistachios add color, crunch, and a nutty layer of flavor.

Want More Cheesecake Dessert Ideas?

If this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake wowed your taste buds, here are a few more irresistible cheesecake treats you might enjoy:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you torch or broil? Did you serve them with berries or add a twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake is where fancy meets fun. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself, these little indulgences deliver big on flavor and charm. With their creamy centers and golden tops, they’re hard to resist and even harder to forget.

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Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake


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  • Author: Luna Bailey
  • Total Time: 35 minutes + chill time
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the perfect individual dessert, combining creamy vanilla cheesecake with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. This small-batch cheesecake recipe makes elegant, bite-sized treats ideal for holidays, parties, or romantic dinners. If you’re looking for a unique mini cheesecake with crème brûlée flair, this dessert delivers both flavor and sophistication.


Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons melted butter

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or extract)

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

3. Press crust mixture into each muffin cup and bake for 5 minutes. Let cool.

4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

5. Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.

7. Mix in vanilla bean paste, heavy cream, and salt until just combined.

8. Lower oven temperature to 300°F.

9. Pour batter over crusts, filling nearly to the top.

10. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly.

11. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 3+ hours or overnight.

12. Before serving, sprinkle tops with a thin layer of sugar.

13. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.

14. Serve chilled and enjoy the crackle.

Notes

These cheesecakes are best served fresh after torching the sugar.

You can use a broiler instead of a torch but watch closely.

Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s key to a perfect texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
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