Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and melted butter.
- Line a muffin tin with foil liners and press about 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner.
- Bake for 5 minutes to set the crust. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and remaining 8 tablespoons of sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until fully incorporated and silky.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared crusts in the muffin tin.
- Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until centers are just set and slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to fully chill.
Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar
- Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each chilled cheesecake.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
- Allow the sugar to cool and harden for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Best enjoyed cold or slightly chilled. Freezing:
Freeze without the caramelized sugar topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and brûlée fresh before serving. Torching Tip:
Caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best crackly texture. 🥄 Variations Chocolate Crust: Substitute graham crackers with crushed chocolate cookies for a decadent twist. Berry Topping: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries on top before serving. Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake batter for a bright note. Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brûléed sugar for a sweet-salty combo. Espresso Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in cream for a coffee-flavored twist. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Mini Jars Version: Assemble in small mason jars for a portable dessert. Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a subtle tropical flavor. Nut Crust: Use ground almonds or pecans mixed with sugar and butter for a nutty base. Honey Vanilla: Substitute part of the sugar in the batter with honey for a floral sweetness. ❓ 10 FAQs Do I need a torch for the brûlée topping?
A torch gives the best crisp topping, but you can also broil them briefly (watch closely!). Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare a day in advance and torch the sugar topping just before serving. Why foil liners?
They hold their shape better and peel off cleanly from the cheesecake base. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat is best for creamy texture, but you can substitute with caution. Do these taste exactly like crème brûlée?
They’re a fusion — creamy like cheesecake with the brûléed sugar shell of classic crème brûlée. Can I add flavor extracts?
Yes! Almond, coconut, or even lavender extract pairs beautifully in small amounts. How do I prevent cracks in mini cheesecakes?
Avoid over-mixing and over-baking. Let them cool gradually. What’s the best sugar for brûlée topping?
Regular granulated sugar works best — superfine melts too quickly. Can I make this as a full-sized cheesecake?
Yes, adjust bake time to 50–60 minutes and torch the top after chilling. Can I serve with a sauce?
A berry coulis or chocolate drizzle pairs wonderfully. 🏁 Conclusion These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes bring the best of two classic desserts into one stunning bite — silky smooth cheesecake topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar shell. Elegant yet simple, these pork-free, alcohol-free mini desserts are perfect for entertaining, holidays, or an indulgent homemade treat. Each spoonful cracks with sugary bliss and melts into creamy heaven — they’re bound to become your new favorite dessert!
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Best enjoyed cold or slightly chilled. Freezing:
Freeze without the caramelized sugar topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and brûlée fresh before serving. Torching Tip:
Caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best crackly texture. 🥄 Variations Chocolate Crust: Substitute graham crackers with crushed chocolate cookies for a decadent twist. Berry Topping: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries on top before serving. Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake batter for a bright note. Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brûléed sugar for a sweet-salty combo. Espresso Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in cream for a coffee-flavored twist. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Mini Jars Version: Assemble in small mason jars for a portable dessert. Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a subtle tropical flavor. Nut Crust: Use ground almonds or pecans mixed with sugar and butter for a nutty base. Honey Vanilla: Substitute part of the sugar in the batter with honey for a floral sweetness. ❓ 10 FAQs Do I need a torch for the brûlée topping?
A torch gives the best crisp topping, but you can also broil them briefly (watch closely!). Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare a day in advance and torch the sugar topping just before serving. Why foil liners?
They hold their shape better and peel off cleanly from the cheesecake base. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat is best for creamy texture, but you can substitute with caution. Do these taste exactly like crème brûlée?
They’re a fusion — creamy like cheesecake with the brûléed sugar shell of classic crème brûlée. Can I add flavor extracts?
Yes! Almond, coconut, or even lavender extract pairs beautifully in small amounts. How do I prevent cracks in mini cheesecakes?
Avoid over-mixing and over-baking. Let them cool gradually. What’s the best sugar for brûlée topping?
Regular granulated sugar works best — superfine melts too quickly. Can I make this as a full-sized cheesecake?
Yes, adjust bake time to 50–60 minutes and torch the top after chilling. Can I serve with a sauce?
A berry coulis or chocolate drizzle pairs wonderfully. 🏁 Conclusion These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes bring the best of two classic desserts into one stunning bite — silky smooth cheesecake topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar shell. Elegant yet simple, these pork-free, alcohol-free mini desserts are perfect for entertaining, holidays, or an indulgent homemade treat. Each spoonful cracks with sugary bliss and melts into creamy heaven — they’re bound to become your new favorite dessert!