Delicious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with these Delicious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes. Each bite reveals a silky cheesecake filling topped with a delicate caramelized sugar crust, reminiscent of the classic French dessert. These elegant treats are perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your family and friends with their gorgeous presentation and rich taste.

Piper Andrews

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2025-12-01T11:09:00.151Z

These cupcakes bring together the elements of traditional crème brûlée and cheesecake, providing a delightful dessert experience that's both unique and familiar.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes

  • Decadent cheesecake filling
  • Perfectly charred sugar topping
  • Beautiful presentation for any occasion
  • Easy to make in cupcake form
  • A crowd-pleaser for dessert lovers

A Twist on a Classic Dessert

These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes offer a delightful twist on the traditional crème brûlée and cheesecake. By combining these two beloved desserts into a cupcake form, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a single, elegant treat. The silky cheesecake filling provides a rich, creamy texture, while the burnt sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch. Perfect for anyone who loves a good dessert, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

When you take a bite of these cupcakes, you'll be greeted by the unmistakable flavor of real vanilla beans, elevating the taste profile far beyond ordinary desserts. The combination of the rich cheesecake and the slightly bitter caramelized sugar creates a well-balanced flavor that resonates with dessert aficionados. Whether you're a fan of crème brûlée or cheesecake, these cupcakes promise a unique and pleasurable experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply want to impress your friends with your baking skills, these cupcakes are the perfect solution. Their stunning appearance and elegant presentation make them a standout dessert on any table. Topped with the signature caramelized sugar crust, they bring an element of sophistication to the dessert spread that is sure to impress your guests.

Not only are they visually appealing, but these cupcakes are also easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. Make a batch to share, set them out at your next gathering, and watch as everyone reaches for a second cupcake. These treats are bound to become a favorite among friends and family.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes turn out perfectly, it's important to follow the baking times and temperature closely. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture, while underbaking may cause the filling to be too soft. Keep an eye on the cupcakes while they bake and perform the toothpick test; when inserted, it should come out with minimal crumbs attached.

Caramelizing the sugar on top is another vital step. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, an alternative option is to place the cupcakes under a broiler for a few moments. Watch them closely to avoid burning. The goal is to achieve that beautiful golden caramel that adds to the flavor and texture. Remember to let the caramel topping cool to achieve the perfect crunch!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smoother baking experience.

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Once you have all your ingredients measured out, you're ready to start making your delicious cupcakes!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Prepare the Cupcake Base

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of cupcake liners in a muffin tin.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla bean seeds, eggs, and heavy cream, mixing until well combined. Pour the filling over the crusts in the muffin tin.

Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheesecake mixture is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Once the cupcakes are cool, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown.

Let the cupcakes sit for a few minutes to allow the sugar topping to harden before serving.

Storing and Serving

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The caramelized sugar topping may lose its crispness over time, so it’s recommended to torch the topping right before serving if possible. This will restore the buttery crunch and enhance the overall taste experience.

If you're planning to serve these cupcakes at an event, consider preparing them a day in advance. The cheesecake flavor continues to develop and deepen as it sits in the fridge, making for an even more delicious tasting experience.

Variations to Try

While the classic vanilla bean flavor of these cupcakes is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can incorporate citrus zest such as lemon or orange into the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, chocolate lovers might enjoy adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling for a rich chocolatey version of these cupcakes.

Another fun variation is to infuse the heavy cream with espresso for a coffee-flavored cheesecake. The combination of coffee and caramel is a match made in dessert heaven. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and caramelize the sugar just before serving.

Delicious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with these Delicious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes. Each bite reveals a silky cheesecake filling topped with a delicate caramelized sugar crust, reminiscent of the classic French dessert. These elegant treats are perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your family and friends with their gorgeous presentation and rich taste.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Piper Andrews

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  3. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  4. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  5. 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of cupcake liners in a muffin tin.

Step 02

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla bean seeds, eggs, and heavy cream, mixing until well combined. Pour the filling over the crusts in the muffin tin.

Step 03

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheesecake mixture is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Step 04

Once the cupcakes are cool, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Sugars: 18g