Crème Brûlée Cheesecake: A Heavenly Fusion of Two Decadent Desserts

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake. Combining the smooth, creamy richness of a classic cheesecake with the irresistible crispy sugar top of crème brûlée, this treat is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The creamy cheesecake base is baked to perfection, then topped with a caramelized sugar layer, creating a divine contrast. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a luxurious treat for yourself, this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake will leave everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
    • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
    • Add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    • Mix in the vanilla extract and flour until smooth.
    • Gradually add the heavy cream, beating until the mixture is thick and creamy.
  3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
    • Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
    • Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
    • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
    • After 1 hour, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  4. Prepare the Crème Brûlée Topping:
    • In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
    • Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, pour the cream mixture over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
  5. Caramelize the Sugar:
    • Sprinkle the top of the cheesecake evenly with granulated sugar.
    • Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it’s golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the cheesecake under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Slice the cheesecake and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
    • Enjoy this perfect combination of rich cheesecake and the crispy crème brûlée topping!

Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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