Creme brulee cheesecake with its rich creaminess and crunchy caramelized top, creates a dessert masterpiece. This lesson will guide you through every step of making this delicious creme brulee cheesecake recipe. It will impress your visitors and improve your baking skills.

About Creme Brulee Cheesecake

The rich creaminess of the cheesecake contrasts with the crunchy caramelized top. The caramelized sugar crust brings elegance and class to any dessert table. To enhance its flavors and visual appeal, top it with fresh berries, drizzle chocolate, or any topping you like. A surefire winner at parties. It delights visitors with its exquisite taste and stunning appearance.

Ingredients to make Creme Brulee Cheesecake

For crème brulee.

1 ½ of Graham crackers crumbs

¼ cup of granulated sugar

Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter.

For cheesecake filling

24 ounces of softened cream cheese

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 big eggs

1 cup of sour cream

½ cup of heavy cream

For topping

½ cup of granulated sugar

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize

• Cooking time: 1 hour
• Preparation time: 1 hour
• Refrigerating time overnight
• It serves 12 people.

Nutritional facts

• Calories 450cal
• Fats 32g
• Cholesterol 150mg
• Carbohydrate 35g
• Protein 7g

This recipe demonstrates how to make a crème brulee cheesecake.

How to make Creme Brulee Cheesecake?

Step-by-step guide

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a spring foam pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to facilitate the cheesecake’s subsequent removal.

Make a crust

Combine 1 ½ cup graham crackers, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until the butter completely coats the Graham cracker crumbs, creating a sandy texture. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased springform pan to make an equal layer.  Use the bottom of a flat cup or glass to even out the crumbs. Bake it in a preheated oven for 10 minutes to solidify the crust.

Cheesecake filling

To make the cheesecake filling, first beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, or until smooth and creamy. To remove all lumps, scrape down the bowl’s sides as needed.

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the cream cheese and mix it until well combined. Make 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and whisk it until it becomes foamy.

Add the 3 eggs to the mixture, one at a time. To ensure that the previous egg is well mixed before adding the next, beat well after each addition. To achieve a smooth, lump-free batter, scrape down the basin’s edges as needed.

Now combine 1 cup sour cream and ½ cup heavy cream. Mix at a low speed until thoroughly mixed. The batter should be creamy and thick. Prepare a water bath. To keep water out, wrap a second layer of aluminum foil around the bottom and sides of the springform pan. Transfer the springform pan to a bigger baking dish or roasting pan.

Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps to ensure that the cheesecake bakes evenly and without cracks. 

Bake 

Carefully place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake the cheesecake for 55 to 60 minutes. The middle should remain somewhat jiggly when gently shaken, but the borders should set.

Turn off the oven, take it out slowly, and allow it to cool for an hour. After 1 hour, take the cheesecake out of the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.

Making caramelized brulee topping

Add ½ cup of granulated sugar to the cheesecake using a cooking torch, To ensure uniform melting and browning of the sugar, hold the torch a few inches above the surface and move it in a circular motion. The sugar should bubble and turn golden brown in a crisp, caramelized crust. Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and firm for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Here are some tips for making the perfect Crème Brûlée Cheesecake.

Room-temperature ingredients

Before you begin, make sure that all of your ingredients are at room temperature, particularly the cream cheese and eggs. This makes it easy to combine them smoothly, creating a velvety feel.

Avoid overmixing

Overmixing might add too much air to the batter, causing the cheesecake to break. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Water bath tips

Using a water bath helps to bake the cheesecake evenly and keeps the top from cracking. Make sure to tightly wrap the foil around the springform pan to prevent water leaks.

Patience is key

Allowing the cheesecake to cool gently and chill overnight yields the best texture and flavor. Rushing this process may result in a less creamy and smooth cheesecake.

Serving and storing Crème brûlée cheesecake

Serving

When ready to serve, use a sharp knife soaked in hot water to cut the cheesecake neatly. The contrast between the creamy cheesecake and the crunchy caramel topping creates a pleasant tactile sensation.

Storing

Keep any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, remove the caramel topping from the cheesecake before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and top with caramelized sugar right before serving.

Variations for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Lemon Crème Brûlée Cheesecake: Add lemon zest and juice to the mixture for a zesty flavor.

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal variation.

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cheesecake: Add 1 cup of melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake mixture for a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Espresso Crème Brûlée Cheesecake For a coffee-infused treat, add 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water to the batter.

Coconut Crème Brûlée Cheesecake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut and use coconut extract instead of vanilla for a tropical flavor.

Toppings for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Fresh Berries: Combine raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a vivid and refreshing touch.

Whipped Cream Details: Lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the delicious cheesecake.

Chocolate sprinkle To add a delicious touch, melt dark or milk chocolate and sprinkle over it.

Caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cheesecake slices for added flavor,

Crushed Nuts: Add almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for more texture and flavor.

Vegan and dairy-free alternatives

To make a vegan and dairy-free crème brûlée cheesecake, replace regular cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free cheese and coconut cream. Replace eggs with aquafaba (chickpea brine) or flaxseed meal. Choose vegan butter and Graham crackers for your crust. Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar to make the caramelized topping. 

Ingredients: 

• Dairy-free cream cheese.
• Coconut cream,
• Aquafaba, or flaxseed meal mixture.
• Vegan Butter
• Graham crackers are dairy-free.
• Coconut sugar.

These substitutions will result in a wonderful, creamy, and gratifying vegan and dairy-free crème brûlée cheesecake, allowing everyone to enjoy this traditional dessert.

A healthier substitute for crème brulee cheesecake.

Here are some healthier alternatives to crème brûlée cheesecake:

Low-fat creme cheese or yogurt: For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt.

Instead of granulated sugar, use coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia.

Instead of unsalted butter, use coconut oil or light butter.

Gluten-free crust: Use almond or oat flour.

Heavy cream: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead.

These healthier ingredients cut the calories, fats, and sugars in your crème brûlée cheesecake while preserving its flavor.

Gluten-free Cheesecake Croissant Buns

Gluten-free cheesecake croissant buns add a delicious twist to regular croissants. We create these buns with gluten-free puff pastry and stuff them with a creamy cheesecake filling.

Ingredients: gluten-free puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.

Instructions:

• Roll out the gluten-free puff pastry and cut it into squares.
• Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg until smooth in a mixing dish.
• Put a dollop of the cheesecake mixture in the center of each square.
• Fold the pastry corners over the filling, then seal them.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until golden brown.
• These buns are a delectable, gluten-free dessert suitable for any occasion.

Adding a restaurant twist

This is a crème brûlée cheesecake with a restaurant twist.

Gourmet Garnishes: Edible flowers, gold leaf, or powdered sugar coating provide a luxurious touch.

Flavor infusions: Incorporate unique flavors, such as lavender, matcha, or espresso, into the cheesecake batter.

Artisan crust: For a unique base, use specialized crusts such as almond, hazelnut, or gluten-free grain blends.

Signature sauces: drizzle with homemade berry coulis, salted caramel sauce, or balsamic reduction.

Presentation styles: Serve in little mason jars or individual tartlets for a stylish and sophisticated look.

Related Recipes:

• Cheesecake Croissant Buns
• Easy Basque Cheesecake

FAQS

Can you make crème brûlée cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cheesecake ahead of time and then top it with caramelized sugar right before serving.

For the topping, which type of sugar should I use?

Granulated sugar makes the nicest caramelized crust. You can also use brown sugar to enhance the flavor. 

How can I avoid cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room-temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, bake in a water bath, and chill the cheesecake gradually to avoid cracking.

Can you freeze crème brûlée cheesecake?

You can freeze the cheesecake without the sugar topping. Thaw in the refrigerator, then caramelize the sugar right before serving.

Final thoughts

Crème brûlée cheesecake combines two classic favorites to create a delicious and opulent dessert. Its creamy, rich interior, along with the contrasting crunch of the caramelized sugar covering, make it a showpiece for any event. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a dessert lover, this cheesecake provides a wonderful challenge and an astounding reward. You can customize this dish by playing with different tastes, toppings, and presentation ways.