Crème Brûlée Cheesecake combines the best of two beloved desserts: the creamy decadence of cheesecake and the irresistible caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust cradling a luscious vanilla-infused filling, crowned with a crackling layer of caramelized sweetness. It’s a showstopper dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packs) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Crust:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the greased pan.
- Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour.
- Bake:
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Place the springform pan in a larger pan filled halfway with hot water (a water bath).
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool:
- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the water bath for 30 minutes.
- Transfer it to a rack to cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Torch:
- Just before serving, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
- Slice and enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy filling and crackling caramelized sugar!
Tips
- Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling.
- Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks.
- The water bath prevents cracking and ensures even baking.
- No kitchen torch? Broil the cheesecake briefly (1-2 minutes) to achieve the caramelized sugar topping.
Now you’re ready to create a dessert masterpiece! Bon appétit!
