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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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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.