Crème Brûlée Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the caramelized sugar crust of classic crème brûlée. This indulgent treat features a velvety smooth filling infused with vanilla, sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust. The crowning glory is the crispy caramelized sugar topping that shatters with each bite, adding a delightful contrast of textures. Perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave an exquisite dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelization)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and mix until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition.
- Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with hot water (about halfway up the sides of the springform pan) to create a water bath.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the pan and sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crispy crust.
- Allow the sugar to harden for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the cheesecake immediately for the best contrast between the creamy filling and crunchy caramelized sugar topping.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.
This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake offers the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts, delivering a rich, smooth, and decadent flavor with a delightful crunchy topping. Whether for a dinner party or a special treat, this dessert is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!