Decadent Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Creamy and Crunchy
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, a heavenly fusion of rich, creamy cheesecake and the irresistible crunch of caramelized sugar. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a dessert that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for torching)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat until creamy.
- Mix in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour filling over the crust.
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water around it to create a water bath.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside the oven.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Add the Brûlée Topping:
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the pan and place on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Let the topping cool for a minute to harden into a crackly crust.
Tips for Success:
- No kitchen torch? Use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar, but monitor it closely to avoid burning.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt or a splash of bourbon to the cheesecake batter for a sophisticated twist.
