Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Why Make This Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are a delightful twist on classic desserts, combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the light, fluffy experience of a cupcake. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet indulgence on a regular day. The allure of the caramelized sugar topping brings an element of surprise and elegance, transforming simple cupcakes into an extraordinary dessert. Plus, with the warm aroma of vanilla wafting through your kitchen as they bake, it’s hard to resist being drawn in by their charm!

How to Make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is an enjoyable process that allows you to unleash your inner baker. Start with the cupcake batter, mixing together basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The key is to ensure everything is well combined for a smooth texture. The surprise inside—creamy cheesecake filling—adds richness that perfectly complements the cupcake. Once you assemble and bake, you’ll cool them completely before caramelizing the sugar on top to achieve that coveted crème brûlée finish. The result? A delicious fusion with a crispy, sweet topping and a luscious, creamy center that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1 large egg

Directions:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Next, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is blended.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. This is crucial for achieving that velvety cheesecake texture. Once smooth, mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and the remaining egg until well incorporated.

Assemble the Cupcakes

Line a cupcake pan with liners. Fill each liner halfway with the cupcake batter. Add a generous dollop of cheesecake filling in the center, followed by topping it off with more cupcake batter, ensuring the cheesecake is covered.

Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma!

Cool and Caramelize

Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under a broiler for just a few minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutritional Information

Per cupcake (without toppings):

• Calories: 270
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 4g

How to Serve Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

These cupcakes shine on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. Garnishing with fresh berries not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cupcakes. They’re perfect for dessert tables, parties, or just a lovely treat after dinner!

How to Store Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

To keep these cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best to caramelize the sugar topping just before serving. You can freeze them without the caramel topping for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying!

Expert Tips for Perfect Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

1. Soft Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
3. Even Baking: Rotate your cupcake pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
4. Caramelizing Sugar: If using a torch, keep it moving to avoid burning the sugar.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a chocolate version.
• Fruit-Filled: Add a layer of fruit preserves (like raspberry or strawberry) under the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, though it may alter the texture slightly. It might not be as rich and creamy.

2. How do I know when the cupcakes are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. For cream cheese filling, a slight jiggle is acceptable as it will firm up as it cools.

3. Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are not just desserts; they’re an experience. With their creamy filling, fluffy exterior, and crispy caramelized top, they bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this delightful recipe a try! Your friends and family will be amazed by your baking skills, and you might just find yourself baking these delicious treats again and again! Enjoy the sweet journey!

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

A delightful twist on classic desserts, combining rich cheesecake with fluffy cupcakes, topped with a crispy caramelized sugar layer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 270

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cupcake Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for batter
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened should be at room temperature
• 2 large eggs large, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream adds moisture

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened should be at room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste for added flavor
• 1 large egg to bind the filling

For Caramelizing

• sufficient granulated sugar for topping each cupcake before caramelizing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.
2. Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and the remaining egg until fully incorporated.

Assemble and Bake

1. Line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Fill each liner halfway with cupcake batter.
3. Add a generous dollop of cheesecake filling in the center, then top with more cupcake batter.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Caramelize

1. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan.
2. Once cooled, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cupcake and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler until golden and crispy.

Notes

For the best texture and flavor, caramelize the sugar just before serving. To keep cupcakes fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.