If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the smooth, rich texture of cheesecake with the crispy, caramelized sweetness of crème brûlée, look no further than Creme Brulee Cheesecake. This decadent treat takes the classic cheesecake to a whole new level by incorporating the beloved crème brûlée topping—caramelized sugar with a satisfying crunch. The smooth and velvety cheesecake layer pairs perfectly with the crispy caramelized sugar, making this dessert an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a special celebration or simply craving a luxurious dessert at home, this crème brûlée cheesecake is sure to impress everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love Creme Brulee Cheesecake
🍰 Two Desserts in One – The velvety cheesecake paired with the crispy, caramelized topping combines two iconic desserts in one decadent creation.
🎂 Rich and Luxurious – Every bite offers a burst of indulgence, with the smooth texture of cheesecake and the satisfying crunch of crème brûlée.
🌟 Impressive Presentation – The golden-brown sugar topping adds a touch of elegance, making it the perfect show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
🍽️ Easy to Make at Home – Although it sounds fancy, this cheesecake is simple to prepare with a few essential ingredients and minimal effort.
🍮 Customizable Flavors – You can easily infuse the cheesecake with flavors like vanilla, lemon, or even coffee to match your tastes.
🍴 Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, this cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the cheesecake:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For the crème brûlée topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the topping)
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar (optional, for extra caramel flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a springform pan (about 9 inches) to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes and then remove from the oven to cool while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
2. Make the cheesecake filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, eggs one at a time, and beat until well combined after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until everything is smooth. Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the cheesecake:
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. The center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly cracked to allow it to cool slowly. Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
4. Prepare the crème brûlée topping:
Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top. If you’d like a deeper caramel flavor, you can also sprinkle a bit of light brown sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden-brown layer. Be careful not to burn the sugar—move the torch in small circles to ensure even caramelization.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the sugar topping to cool and harden before slicing and serving. For extra elegance, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Creme Brulee Cheesecake
🍰 Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a smoother batter and ensures your cheesecake is creamy with no lumps.
🔥 Caramelize the Sugar Evenly – Make sure to use a kitchen torch for the crème brûlée topping to get that perfect golden layer. If you don’t have a torch, you can also broil the cheesecake in the oven for a few minutes, but a torch gives you more control.
⏳ Chill Before Serving – Let the cheesecake chill for a few hours, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the cheesecake has the right texture.
💡 Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can introduce air into the batter, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until everything is combined.
🍽️ Use a Water Bath – To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it in a water bath. Simply place the springform pan in a larger pan and fill the outer pan with hot water, halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
Equipment You’ll Need
🍰 Electric mixer or stand mixer
🍽️ Springform pan (9-inch)
🥄 Mixing bowls
🔥 Kitchen torch (or broiler)
🔪 Spatula
🕒 Measuring cups and spoons
🧊 Refrigerator for chilling
FAQs About Creme Brulee Cheesecake
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake is actually better when made a day or two in advance, as it allows the flavors to fully develop. Make sure to refrigerate it properly and add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! You can use other cookie crumbs, such as digestive biscuits, or even a crushed shortbread cookie base if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free graham crackers.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the cheesecake under the oven’s broiler for a few minutes. Just make sure to watch it closely to avoid burning the sugar.
How should I store leftover cheesecake?
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake before adding the crème brûlée topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the caramelized sugar topping and serving.
Conclusion
Creme Brulee Cheesecake is the perfect indulgent dessert that combines two of the most beloved sweet treats in the world: cheesecake and crème brûlée. With its rich and creamy texture, coupled with the satisfying crunch of the caramelized sugar, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this dessert promises to be a crowd favorite. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake, and crispy brûlée topping creates a flavor profile that is both luxurious and comforting. Try this cheesecake for your next gathering, and you’ll see why it’s destined to become a classic in your dessert repertoire. 🍰💛
Creme Brulee Cheesecake
This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake is a rich and creamy cheesecake with a perfectly caramelized sugar topping, just like the classic French dessert. The combination of a smooth cheesecake base and a crunchy, golden crust of caramelized sugar makes every bite heavenly. Perfect for any special occasion!
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
✔ Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
✔ Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
✔ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and flour until fully incorporated.
✔ Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 1 hour, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Afterward, remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
✔ Prepare the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the cheesecake. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it is golden brown and crisp. (Alternatively, you can place the cheesecake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.)
✔ Serve & Enjoy
- Once the sugar has caramelized, allow the cheesecake to sit for a few minutes to cool the topping. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
-
✅ For a smoother texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
-
✅ If you don’t have a kitchen torch, the broiler method works well, but be careful not to burn the sugar.
-
✅ This cheesecake is best served chilled, so keep leftovers in the fridge.
