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Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes – Easy Recipe

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Creamy vanilla bean cheesecake cupcakes topped with a caramelized crème brûlée sugar crust for the perfect balance of smooth, rich, and crunchy textures. An elegant yet easy dessert ideal for parties, holidays, or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cupgraham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoonsgranulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 ozcream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cupgranulated sugar
  • 2large eggs
  • 1/2 cupsour cream
  • 1/2 cupheavy cream
  • 1vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 1 teaspoonvanilla extract
  • 1/4 cupgranulated sugar (for caramelizing tops)
  • Optional garnish: fresh berries, mint leaves, or whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon into each liner. Bake 5–7 minutes and let cool.
  3. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Blend in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract until creamy.
  4. Pour batter over cooled crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full. Bake 20–25 minutes until centers are set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, leave door ajar, and let rest 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each cupcake. Caramelize using a kitchen torch or broil 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Let stand 5 minutes to harden.
  6. Serve chilled with whipped cream, berries, or mint garnish if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze without the sugar topping for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before caramelizing.
Place a pan of hot water on the lower rack while baking to prevent cracks.
Beat cream cheese thoroughly before adding other ingredients for an ultra-smooth texture.
Torch sugar topping just before serving for the best crunch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.delicetreats.com/vanilla-bean-creme-brulee-cupcakes-easy-recipe/