Prepare the Crust
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press Crust: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin liner, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
Bake Crust: Bake for 5 minutes to set the crust, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can create air bubbles in the batter.
Fill the Muffin Tins: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake the Cheesecakes
Bake: Bake the cheesecakes for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are just set.
Cool Completely: Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chill in Refrigerator: Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Caramelize the Sugar Topping
Sprinkle Sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake.
Torch the Sugar: Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown. Allow the sugar to harden before serving.
How to Serve Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Here are some delightful serving suggestions for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes:
Elegant Dessert Plates: Serve on small, decorative plates with fresh berries for a pop of color.
Holiday Platter: Arrange on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or parties.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a bright contrast.
Drizzle with Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Coffee Pairing: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to complement the sweetness.
As a Dessert Sampler: Serve alongside other mini desserts for a dessert platter.
With Mint Garnish: Add a sprig of mint on the plate for a festive touch.
Gift for Friends: Package in mini boxes for a unique and thoughtful gift.
With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
Fancy Holiday Dinner: Perfect as a stunning dessert for a Christmas or New Year’s celebration.
Additional Tips for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Here are some extra tips to make the best Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for smooth blending.
Avoid Overbaking: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven when the centers are still slightly jiggly to prevent cracks.
Torch Carefully: Hold the torch at a distance and move it in a circular motion for even caramelization.
Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheesecakes well before adding the brûlée topping for best results.
Use Fine Sugar: Fine granulated sugar caramelizes more evenly than coarse sugar.
Experiment with Flavors: Add a hint of lemon zest to the filling for a citrus twist.
Use Silicone Liners: For easy removal, consider using silicone cupcake liners.
Test the Torch First: Practice using the torch on a spoonful of sugar to get the hang of caramelizing.
Avoid Overfilling: Fill the muffin cups only 3/4 full to prevent overflow while baking.
Serve Freshly Caramelized: Torch the sugar just before serving for the best crunch.
Recipe Variations for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Customize your Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes with these fun variations:
Chocolate Cheesecake: Add 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist.
Fruit Flavored: Swirl in a bit of fruit puree, like raspberry or strawberry, for a fruity flavor.
Nut Crust: Use crushed pecans or almonds in the crust for a nutty variation.
Spiced Cheesecake: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top before serving.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal touch.
Coconut Crust: Use coconut flakes in the crust for a tropical flavor.
Mint Cheesecake: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive mint flavor.
Lavender Infused: Add a hint of lavender extract to the filling for a unique floral note.
Lemon Cheesecake: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a bright citrus flavor.
Freezing and Storage for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Keep your Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes fresh with these storage tips:
In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cheesecakes (without the brûlée topping) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the sugar topping.
Just Before Serving: Caramelize the sugar topping right before serving to ensure it stays crisp.
Special Equipment for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Kitchen Torch – Essential for caramelizing the sugar topping to create the signature brûlée crust.
Mini Cheesecake Pan – Helps create perfectly portioned cheesecakes with smooth edges.
Water Bath Pan – Ensures even baking and prevents cracks by adding moisture to the oven.
Fine-Mesh Sieve – Strains the custard mixture for an ultra-smooth, creamy texture.
Pastry Brush – Useful for evenly spreading melted butter in the crust and dusting off excess sugar before torching.
