A Crème Brûlée Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the iconic crispy, caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. It’s a delightful fusion of two classic desserts, perfect for special occasions or anyone who loves indulgent treats.Here’s a step-by-step recipe for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a flat, even crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the heavy cream until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled crust in the springform pan.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- After that, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Once it has cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Make the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the cheesecake.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cheesecake under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, but keep a close watch to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
- Let the caramelized sugar cool and harden before slicing. Enjoy the creamy, rich cheesecake with the sweet, crunchy topping!
This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence, bringing together the best of both desserts. The creamy, tangy filling contrasts beautifully with the crispy, caramelized sugar topping for a perfect bite every time.
