Name: Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup (125 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar; 1 pinch salt; 2 packages (500 g) cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks (70 g), room temperature; 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup (100 ml) whipping cream (35%), chilled; 12 teaspoons fine granulated sugar

If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that’s elegant, creamy, and just the right size for indulging without going overboard, then you absolutely have to try this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, velvety cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a perfectly crisp caramelized sugar layer that cracks satisfyingly with each forkful. It’s the best of two iconic desserts combined into one delightful bite-sized treat that’s both charming and decadently delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six white bowls placed on a white marbled surface arranged loosely in a circle. In the center, there is a white plate with two rectangular blocks of cream cheese stacked. Starting from the top and moving clockwise, the first white bowl contains light yellow sticks of butter. Next, a bowl is filled with a thick layer of finely crushed brown graham cracker crumbs. Another bowl contains three bright yellow egg yolks. Below it to the left, there is a glass of white creamy liquid. Near the bottom left, a small white bowl filled with white granulated sugar is placed. Slightly above the sugar, a tiny white bowl holds a small amount of dark brown vanilla extract. A woman’s hand is holding the plate in the center. The scene is well lit with soft natural light, showing textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but they’re the secret behind the luxurious texture and harmonious flavors of this dessert. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance between creamy cheesecake and that iconic brûlée crunch.

Graham crackers crumbs: Provide a buttery, slightly sweet base that crisps up perfectly for the crust.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust crumbs together and adds richness without overwhelming the flavors.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the cheesecake filling, and is essential for the caramelized topping.
Pinch of salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor in the crust.
Cream cheese (room temperature): The heart of the cheesecake, giving it that luscious, creamy body.
Egg yolks (room temperature): Help create a silky, smooth texture and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic note that elevates the whole dessert.
Whipping cream (chilled): Lightens the cheesecake filling with a soft, airy texture.
Fine granulated sugar: Used to create the signature caramelized, crackly top that makes this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe so irresistible.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like coarse sand, which ensures the crust will hold together with a perfect crumbly texture. After buttering each cavity of your mini cheesecake pan, pack about a tablespoon of the crust mixture into each spot, pressing firmly with a tamper or the back of your spoon. This forms a sturdy, buttery base that’s irresistibly crisp after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar until luxuriously creamy and free of lumps. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing gently just until combined for the smoothest results. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor. Finally, fold in the chilled whipping cream carefully, maintaining the airy texture that prevents the cheesecake from feeling dense or heavy.

Step 3: Bake the Mini Cheesecakes

Use an ice cream scoop to fill each crust-lined cavity with the luscious cheesecake batter, filling them to the brim. Give the pan a gentle shake to level the tops evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 150 ℃ (300 ℉) for about 15 minutes. Keep a close eye around the 12-minute mark — if the batter starts puffing up and spills, it’s ready to come out. This gentle baking sets the filling while keeping it delightfully creamy inside.

Step 4: Chill Thoroughly

Once baked, let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature in the pan before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 6 hours to allow the cheesecake to firm up and develop its signature dense yet smooth texture.

Step 5: Caramelize the Topping

Remove the chilled mini cheesecakes from their cavities and place them on a plate. Sprinkle a teaspoon of fine granulated sugar evenly over each. Using a kitchen blow torch, gently heat the sugar by moving the flame around the surface until it melts and turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the caramelized topping cool for a minute or two so it hardens into that addictive crackly crust that makes this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe truly memorable.

How to Serve Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe

A gray metal muffin pan holds twelve small round cheesecakes, each in its own cup. The cheesecakes have a smooth white topping layer with a slightly golden crust layer underneath, clearly pressed at the edges inside each muffin cup. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. The cheesecakes look fresh and neatly filled, ready for baking or cooling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple or get creative by adding fresh berries, a mint leaf, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to each mini cheesecake. These toppings add a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the richness without overpowering the delicate custard and caramel crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these tiny treats with a cup of strong coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or a refreshing herbal tea. The bitterness or acidity of these beverages cuts through the cheesecake’s sweetness beautifully and enhances the overall tasting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your mini cheesecakes on individual small plates with a decorative drizzle of raspberry coulis or chocolate sauce around the edges. For a party, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand adorned with edible flowers to create an irresistible dessert centerpiece that’s as lovely as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These mini cheesecakes keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This helps maintain their creamy texture and prevents the caramelized topping from absorbing moisture and losing its crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the mini cheesecakes before caramelizing the sugar topping. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should keep for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before caramelizing and serving.

Reheating

Because of the delicate cream cheese filling and crisp topping, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen cheesecakes to thaw gently in the fridge to preserve their texture and flavor for the best tasting experience.

FAQs

Can I make these without a mini cheesecake pan?

Yes! While a mini cheesecake pan helps create uniform shapes, you can use a muffin tin lined with paper liners as an alternative. Just be sure to press the crust well and not overfill the batter to avoid spillage during baking.

What if I don’t have a kitchen blow torch for caramelizing?

You can use your oven’s broiler for a similar effect. Sprinkle sugar on top, then broil the cheesecakes for a few minutes, keeping a close watch so the sugar caramelizes but doesn’t burn.

Can I use regular sugar instead of fine granulated sugar for the topping?

Fine granulated sugar is best because it melts quickly and evenly for a smooth caramelized crust. If you only have regular granulated sugar, consider pulsing it briefly in a food processor to make it finer before sprinkling.

Is it possible to make these cheesecakes vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy and eggs for its texture and flavor, so it’s not well-suited for a vegan version without significant ingredient substitutions. However, there are vegan cheesecake recipes that use plant-based alternatives, which you could experiment with separately.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from overflowing during baking?

The key is not to overfill each cavity and to watch carefully around 12 minutes into baking. If you notice puffing or spilling, remove the pan promptly to avoid a mess and maintain the perfect cheesecake shape.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether an intimate dinner or a festive party. It’s a charming little indulgence that feels fancy, tastes incredible, and is surprisingly easy to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and become as smitten with this delightful dessert as I am!

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need