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Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
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Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the crisp, caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. These bite-sized desserts offer perfect texture contrast, elegant presentation, and customizable flavors, making them ideal for any occasion from dinner parties to casual treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Filling Ingredients

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar (divided for batter and topping)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers finely and mix with melted butter and a pinch of sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of mini muffin tins or ramekins, creating an even base that will bake into a crunchy crust.
  2. Blend the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to maintain a silky texture. Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest to enhance the flavor.
  3. Fill and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the prepared crusts, filling each compartment nearly to the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
  4. Chill Thoroughly: Allow cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly and prepare for caramelizing.
  5. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each chilled cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp, or place under a broiler for about one minute monitoring closely to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for an ultra-smooth filling.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid incorporating excessive air which can cause cracking.
  • Bake cheesecakes in a water bath to ensure a creamy texture and prevent drying out.
  • Chill longer to enhance flavor and improve texture.
  • Caramelize sugar in short bursts to prevent burning and achieve an even crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini cheesecake, crème brûlée, bite-sized desserts, caramelized sugar topping, creamy cheesecake, party dessert, portable dessert

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/mini-crme-brle-cheesecakes/