Easy Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes – Creamy Individual Dessert

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the perfect fusion of two classic desserts, combining the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the crisp caramelized sugar topping of traditional crème brûlée. These easy Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a thin, crackly brûlée topping that shatters beautifully with every spoonful. Ideal for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, special occasions, or elegant make-ahead desserts, this decadent dessert recipe delivers bakery-quality results in a perfectly portioned, individual size. If you love creamy cheesecake, caramelized sugar crust, and impressive yet simple homemade desserts, these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Introduction

There’s something undeniably special about desserts that combine familiar flavors in an unexpected way. Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes bring together two beloved classics—cheesecake and crème brûlée—into one elegant, bite-sized treat. Each mini dessert starts with a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling, and finished with a crisp caramelized sugar topping that cracks delicately under your spoon.

These cheesecakes are perfect for entertaining because they’re individually portioned and visually stunning. The contrast between the creamy center and the crunchy brûlée layer creates a dessert that feels sophisticated yet comforting. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread, hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers impressive results without complicated steps.

The best part? They can be made ahead of time and finished with the caramelized sugar just before serving, making them as practical as they are indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Individual portions make serving easy and elegant
• Creamy cheesecake texture with a crisp caramelized topping
• Simple ingredients with classic flavors
• Great make-ahead dessert for entertaining
• Beginner-friendly baking method
• Beautiful presentation without complicated decorating

Ingredients Breakdown

Author: Patricia
Servings: Standard muffin tin (approximately 12 mini cheesecakes)

For the Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

The graham cracker crumbs provide a slightly sweet, buttery base. Melted butter binds the crust together, while sugar enhances flavor and helps the crust set during baking.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Cream cheese forms the rich, smooth foundation of the filling. Sugar sweetens and balances the tang. Eggs provide structure, vanilla adds warmth, and heavy cream ensures a silky texture.

For the Brûlée Topping

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

This sugar caramelizes into the signature crisp topping that defines crème brûlée.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Kitchen torch (or broiler alternative)
• Cooling rack

Optional helpful tools:

• Fine mesh sieve for smooth sugar sprinkling
• Offset spatula for leveling batter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to allow for easy removal and clean presentation.

2. Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner to create a compact crust layer.

Bake for about 5 minutes, just until set. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be free of lumps.

Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ cup heavy cream until fully combined and creamy.

4. Fill and Bake

Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crusts, filling each liner about three-quarters full.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should appear firm while the middle gently moves when shaken.

5. Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture.

6. Create the Brûlée Topping

Once fully chilled, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each cheesecake.

Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts, turns golden, and forms a crisp layer. Allow the topping to cool and harden before serving.

If using a broiler, place the cheesecakes under it for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

Gluten-free option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Dairy-free option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free heavy cream alternatives.

Flavor variation: Add a pinch of citrus zest to the cheesecake batter for brightness.

Extra caramelization: For a thicker crack layer, use slightly more sugar, ensuring even coverage.

Flavor Profile

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes offer layered contrast in every bite. The crust is lightly sweet and buttery, providing structure and texture. The cheesecake filling is smooth, creamy, and mildly tangy with subtle vanilla warmth. The brûlée topping adds a crisp, caramelized sweetness that balances the richness beneath it.

When you tap into the sugar shell, it cracks delicately, giving way to the cool, velvety filling. The combination of creamy interior and crisp topping creates a satisfying textural experience that feels refined yet comforting.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 0.5g

Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten (unless modified).

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

Cheesecakes can be baked and chilled up to 2 days in advance.

Do not caramelize the sugar until shortly before serving for best texture.

Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I skip chilling time?
Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and develop its texture.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
Use a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Why are my cheesecakes cracking?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause cracks. Bake until slightly jiggly in the center.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze without the brûlée topping and caramelize after thawing.

How do I get smooth filling?
Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.

Cooking Timeline

Task	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	23–25 minutes
Chill Time	2 hours minimum
Servings	About 12 mini cheesecakes

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly in cupcake liners for easy handling or remove for a cleaner plated look. For elegant presentation, ensure the caramel topping is evenly golden and fully hardened before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Add a thin layer of fruit puree beneath the cheesecake batter.
2. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on the caramelized topping.
3. Use a darker caramelization for deeper flavor.
4. Layer crushed graham cracker crumbs on top after caramelizing for texture contrast.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. Allow it to soften fully to prevent lumps.

Granulated Sugar
Fine, even sugar distribution ensures smooth caramelization and a uniform crackly topping.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs.
• Do not overbake; slight jiggle is ideal.
• Torch sugar evenly to avoid dark spots.
• Allow caramel layer to harden completely before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days covered.

Freezer: Freeze without brûlée topping up to 1 month.

Thaw in refrigerator overnight before caramelizing.

Do not freeze after caramelizing topping, as texture may soften.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Protein	5g
Carbs	22g
Fat	20g
Fiber	0.5g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian. Contains dairy and eggs. Gluten-free adaptable.

Expanded Conclusion

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the ultimate elegant dessert made simple. With their buttery crust, creamy cheesecake center, and crisp caramelized topping, they offer the best of two classic desserts in one perfectly portioned treat.

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply elevating your everyday dessert routine, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal fuss. Once you hear that signature crack of the caramel topping and taste the smooth cheesecake beneath, you’ll understand why these mini desserts are destined to become a favorite. Save this recipe and bring a little extra elegance to your next celebration.

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