This decadent cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the satisfying crackle of a creme brulee topping.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 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 Creme Brulee Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- 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 until smooth.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
- Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan.
- Fill the larger pan with hot water to create a water bath (about halfway up the sides of the springform pan).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) 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 let it cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Make the Creme Brulee Topping:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top of each serving of cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese.
- Add a swirl of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to the cheesecake before refrigerating.
- Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the cheesecake under the broiler for a short time to caramelize the sugar. Be very careful not to over-broil, as the cheesecake can easily burn.
Enjoy your delicious and decadent Creme Brulee Cheesecake!