This decadent cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the caramelized sugar crust of crème brûlée. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, flour, and salt, beating until well combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
- Place the springform pan in a water bath (place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool slowly.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Make the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top of the cooled cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining sugar.
- Serve:
- Run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
- Remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of the creamy cheesecake with the crisp, caramelized sugar topping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use mascarpone cheese instead of some or all of the cream cheese.
- Add a swirl of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to the top of the cheesecake before torching the sugar.
- Use different types of cookies for the crust, such as speculoos cookies or shortbread cookies.
- Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Enjoy your delicious Crème Brûlée Cheesecake!