Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes A Decadent Dessert Recipe for Beginners

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the best of two worlds: the creamy richness of cheesecake and the irresistible caramelized sugar topping of classic crème brûlée. These elegant bite-sized desserts are perfect for special occasions, cocktail parties, or when you simply want a show-stopping treat without much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheesecakes are surprisingly simple for such an elegant dessert. The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy base, the filling is creamy and indulgent, and the brûléed sugar topping cracks beautifully with every bite. Because they’re baked in individual portions, they’re easy to serve and portion-controlled, making them ideal for entertaining. Best of all, they can be prepared ahead of time, so all that’s left is torching the sugar before serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham Cracker Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pinch salt

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake:
500 g cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks, room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup whipping cream (35%), chilled

Topping:
12 teaspoons granulated sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a mini cheesecake pan with removable bottoms.

2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until sandy in texture. Press 1 tablespoon into each cavity and compact with a tamper or spoon.

3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add yolks one at a time, mixing until just combined. Stir in vanilla.

4. Add chilled cream and mix until smooth.

5. Scoop filling into cavities, filling to the top. Smooth surface by gently shaking the pan.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, checking around the 12-minute mark. Remove if the filling begins to puff or overflow.

7. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

8. Before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each cheesecake and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp. Let set for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 40 minutes active, 6+ hours with chilling

Variations

• Swap graham crackers for digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs for a chocolatey crust.

• Add a touch of citrus zest to the cheesecake batter for brightness.

• Infuse the cream with vanilla bean or espresso before adding for extra depth of flavor.

• Use flavored liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or Baileys in the batter for a sophisticated twist.

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream and berries for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The caramel topping may soften, so brûlée just before serving for best results. To freeze, leave off the sugar topping, freeze cheesecakes for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add and torch the sugar topping right before serving.

FAQs

Do I need a special pan for this recipe?

A mini cheesecake pan with removable bottoms works best, but a muffin tin with liners can also be used.

Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?

Yolks create the rich, custardy texture, so it’s best to stick with them.

What if I don’t have a blowtorch?

Place the cheesecakes under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

How do I know when the cheesecakes are done?

The centers should look set but still slightly jiggly. Overbaking will make them dry.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, they can be prepared 1–2 days ahead. Just add the brûlée topping before serving.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture. Low-fat versions may result in less creamy cheesecakes.

Why did my cheesecakes puff up in the oven?

That usually means they were overbaked. Watch closely around the 12-minute mark.

Can I make these without a crust?

Yes, simply bake the filling in ramekins and brûlée the tops for a crustless version.

What type of sugar is best for the topping?

Fine granulated sugar caramelizes evenly and gives the best crackly top.

Can I add different flavors?

Yes—espresso, citrus zest, or liqueurs can be added to customize the filling.

Conclusion

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are a decadent yet approachable dessert that’s sure to impress. With their creamy filling, crisp crust, and caramelized topping, they combine classic French elegance with the comfort of cheesecake. Perfect for entertaining or indulging yourself, they’re proof that small bites can deliver big flavor.