Description
Creamy mini cheesecakes with a buttery graham cracker crust and a crisp caramelized sugar topping that gives every bite a crème brûlée finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Divide the crust mixture among the muffin cups and press firmly into the bottoms.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the sour cream, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract and the salt.
- Divide the filling evenly over the crusts, filling each cup almost to the top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still jiggle slightly.
- Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Right before serving, sprinkle the tops evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
- Do not overmix the batter, which can create too much air and lead to cracks.
- For the best texture, torch the sugar just before serving.
- These cheesecakes can be made a day ahead and chilled before adding the brûlée topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mini crème brûlée cheesecakes, mini cheesecake dessert, crème brûlée topping, vanilla cheesecake, party dessert
