Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Craving a dessert that’s elegant, bite-sized, and irresistibly creamy? Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine two luxurious classics the smooth richness of cheesecake and the caramelized crunch of crème brûlée.

At dishfoody.com, I believe desserts should make an impression without being overly complicated, and this recipe is proof. These adorable mini cheesecakes deliver all the flavor and texture of a fancy dessert but in an easy, manageable form perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or simple everyday indulgence.

Why This Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe Works

• Combines familiar cheesecake comfort with an impressive brûlée finish.
• Individual portions make serving (and storing!) effortless.
• Easy prep you don’t even need fancy pans or ingredients.

Choosing the Right Base for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Best Crust for This Recipe

Graham cracker crumbs form the perfect crumbly, buttery foundation. Their mild sweetness complements the creamy cheesecakes beautifully. For extra depth, mix in brown sugar and a touch of salt.

Buying Tips

Choose graham crackers with minimal fillers for a pure, crunchy crumb. Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or almond flour crusts also work beautifully for variety.

Substitutions

For gluten-free versions, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookies. Keto or low-carb diets can use almond meal and butter instead, sweetened with erythritol or monk fruit.

Ingredients & Prep for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Prep Essentials

You’ll need:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-slot muffin tin with parchment or silicone liners.

Making the Crust

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl.
2. Mix until texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press a tablespoon of mixture into each muffin slot and compact with the back of a spoon or glass bottom.
4. Pre-bake for 5 minutes to set, then cool while preparing the filling.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid aerating the batter. Stir in vanilla and heavy cream until just combined. The batter should be silky and pourable.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Pre-Baking Prep for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Cold eggs or cream can create lumps in the mixture or cause cracking while baking.

Baking the Cheesecakes

1. Divide the cheesecake batter evenly between muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
2. Bake for 18–20 minutes, just until centers are set but slightly jiggly.
3. Avoid overbaking; cheesecake continues to firm up as it cools.

Cooling and Chilling

Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This step ensures the ultimate creamy texture.

Brûlée Topping for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Once chilled, remove the cheesecakes from their liners and place them on a heatproof surface. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cheesecake, then caramelize using a kitchen torch. If you don’t have a torch, use the oven broiler on high watch closely to prevent burning. Let the sugar harden for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Avoiding Cracks

Mix the batter gently and avoid overbaking. A small “jiggle” in the center is ideal the cheesecake will set perfectly while cooling.

Tool Recommendations

Use an electric hand mixer for a smooth, lump-free filling. A culinary torch gives more control when caramelizing sugar than a broiler. Mini springform pans add a professional touch, but muffin tins work great for home bakers.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best crunch. For longer storage, freeze individually (without sugar topping) for up to a month.

Flavor Variations for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Spiced Twist

Add a dash of nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to the cheesecake filling for a warm, aromatic variation.

Keto/Paleo Options

Use keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, almond flour crust, and full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a low-carb treat.

Global Flavors

• French-Inspired: Add orange zest or lavender extract for floral notes.
• Asian Fusion: Infuse matcha powder into the filling for an earthy twist.
• Tropical Delight: Swirl in passionfruit puree before baking for a bright, tangy contrast.

Serving Suggestions for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Serve chilled for the best balance of smooth and crisp texture. Garnish with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or edible gold flakes for an elegant presentation. These mini cheesecakes pair wonderfully with espresso, chai, or dessert wine (optional for adults).

For parties, display them on tiered trays topped with mint sprigs for festive flair. If gifting, place them in cupcake wrappers and box them with a rustic ribbon.

FAQs for Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes bake and chill the cheesecakes up to 24 hours in advance. Add the brûlée topping just before serving.

Do I need a kitchen torch?
A torch creates a perfect crisp crust, but you can use a broiler in a pinch keep a close eye!

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich, creamy texture. Low-fat versions tend to be more watery and may crack when baked.

Conclusion

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes blend the elegance of crème brûlée with the comfort of cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s as stunning as it is satisfying. Perfect for holidays, date nights, or any time you crave a touch of sweetness, these handheld delights redefine indulgence in miniature form. Visit dishfoody.com for more show-stopping dessert ideas like our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars because every meal deserves a little elegance!

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Print Recipe

Creamy, luscious, and perfectly portioned, these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine silky cheesecake with a crackly caramelized sugar topping the ultimate bite-sized dessert for any special occasion.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins (including chilling)
• Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 vanilla wafer cookies (or graham crackers, crushed)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp superfine sugar (for caramelizing tops)

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
• 2. Combine crushed wafers with melted butter and press 1 tbsp of the mixture into the bottom of each liner.
• 3. Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• 4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
• 5. Divide batter evenly among the cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
• 6. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until centers are just set.
• 7. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• 8. Before serving, sprinkle each cheesecake with about 1/4 tsp sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp.

Notes

• For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and let all ingredients come to room temperature.
• Chill cheesecakes before torching to keep the filling firm.
• You can top with a raspberry or mint leaf for garnish.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes, caramelized cheesecake bites, creamy dessert, mini cheesecakes