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Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the best of creamy cheesecake and soft, moist cupcakes with a delicate caramelized sugar topping reminiscent of classic creme brulee. They feature a rich vanilla bean flavor and a satisfying crunch from the brûléed sugar, making them an elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcake Base:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

For the Creme Brulee Topping:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
  • Additional fresh vanilla bean seeds (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about halfway to allow space for the cheesecake layer.
  5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the egg, flour, and vanilla bean paste, mixing thoroughly until completely combined and creamy.
  6. Add Cheesecake Filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cupcake batter in each liner, filling nearly to the top to create a generous cheesecake layer.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cupcakes and cheesecake filling are cooked through.
  8. Cool Down: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cheesecake layer sets properly.
  9. Prepare Creme Brulee Topping: Once fully cooled, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar atop the cheesecake filling of each cupcake to prepare for caramelizing.
  10. Caramelize: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by melting it until it turns a golden-brown, crisp crust. Alternatively, place the cupcakes under a preheated broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  11. Garnish: For an elegant finish, optionally sprinkle additional fresh vanilla bean seeds on top of the caramelized sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Use a kitchen torch for best caramelization results; a broiler can be used but requires careful monitoring.
  • Do not overmix cupcake batter to keep cupcakes tender.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before caramelizing sugar to prevent melting the topping.
  • The additional vanilla bean seeds garnish is optional but enhances flavor and presentation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking and torch caramelizing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: vanilla bean, creme brulee, cheesecake, cupcakes, dessert, caramelized sugar, vanilla bean paste