Description
Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bites blend French sophistication with classic American dessert charm, creating miniature delights that promise pure indulgence. Small yet powerful, these treats deliver creamy richness and caramelized sugar crunch you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for brulee topping)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Press a small amount of crust mixture into the bottom of each liner, creating a compact base using the back of a spoon.
- Blend cream cheese and mascarpone in a mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until fully integrated and no lumps remain.
- Carefully spoon cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until centers are almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow cheesecake bites to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help them set firmly.
- Before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over each cheesecake bite.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and creates a crisp top.
- If no torch is available, place under broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Drizzle with heavy cream mixed with vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt for an elegant finish.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the contrasting textures of creamy cheesecake and crisp caramelized top.
Notes
- Chill ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and prevent cracking during baking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and mascarpone for easier mixing and a more consistent texture.
- Line muffin tin carefully to prevent uneven baking and ensure each bite has a perfect golden edge.
- Torch sugar quickly and evenly to create a professional crackable caramel top without burning.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for dietary restrictions.
- Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping caramel topping separate until just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding citrus zest, espresso powder, or infusing cream with lavender or cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg