Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Creamy creme brulee cheesecake blends two legendary desserts into one spectacular treat.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with rich custard flavors for an unforgettable experience.

Delicate vanilla notes dance through each silky bite.

Caramelized sugar creates a crisp golden top that shatters dramatically when tapped with a spoon.

Elegant yet playful, this dessert brings sophistication to your table.

Professional pastry techniques meet home kitchen magic in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll find yourself becoming an instant dessert hero with just a few simple steps.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake That Steals the Show

  • Craft Luxurious Dessert: Elevate your baking skills with this gourmet cheesecake that combines classic French and American flavors in one stunning treat.
  • Create Showstopping Presentation: Impress guests with the dramatic caramelized sugar topping that adds a professional touch and crackable texture to the smooth cheesecake.
  • Master Professional Technique: Learn how to torch sugar like a professional pastry chef, transforming a simple dessert into a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.
  • Perfect for Special Celebrations: Ideal for elegant dinner parties, anniversaries, or sophisticated gatherings where you want to serve a dessert that looks and tastes incredibly impressive.

Key Ingredients for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Crust Group:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
Cheesecake Filling Group:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and tangy flavor.
  • Sugar: Provides overall sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
  • Eggs: Help to set and bind the cheesecake mixture, creating a smooth and stable texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the rich and silky texture of the cheesecake.
Caramelized Topping Group:
  • Sugar: Creates a crispy, golden crust when caramelized with a kitchen torch.

How to Create Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 325F.

Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the cheesecake’s foundation.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and stir gently.

Step 4: Incorporate Luxurious Cream

Slowly fold heavy cream into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring a consistent and velvety texture throughout.

Step 5: Bake Cheesecake

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan with the graham cracker crust.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The center should look set but slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to develop rich flavors.

Step 7: Create Caramelized Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle sugar evenly across the cheesecake’s surface.

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crackling golden-brown crust.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve immediately, savoring the contrast between the creamy cheesecake and crisp caramel topping.

Pro Secrets for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that holds together when sliced.
  • Beat cream cheese and sugar slowly to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a silky, crack-free cheesecake texture.
  • Add eggs one at a time and mix gently to maintain a creamy, dense consistency without overmixing.
  • Move kitchen torch continuously over sugar to achieve an even, golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Refrigerate cheesecake overnight for best flavor development and optimal slicing performance.

Delicious Variations on Creme Brulee Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Coconut Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Keto Cheesecake: Substitute graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or almond flour, use erythritol instead of sugar, and maintain the classic torch-caramelized top.
  • Chocolate Marble Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking for a rich, decadent chocolate variation.

Serving Tips for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the cheesecake on a delicate white porcelain plate with a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Fresh Fruit Companion: Top each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a vibrant color contrast and complementary tangy flavor to the rich dessert.
  • Decadent Cream Finish: Add a small dollop of whipped cream on the side and garnish with a mint leaf for an extra touch of elegance and freshness that enhances the creamy texture.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Serve with a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late harvest Riesling to perfectly balance the caramelized sugar and creamy cheesecake notes.

Storage Advice for Creme Brulee Cheesecake

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it cool and fresh.
  • Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 1-2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight, preventing moisture loss and maintaining its creamy consistency.
  • Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, or use a kitchen torch to quickly re-caramelize the sugar topping for a crispy finish.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use the broiler in your oven. Place the cheesecake on the top rack, watch carefully, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes.

  • What type of cream cheese works best?

Use full-fat, room temperature Philadelphia cream cheese for the smoothest and richest texture. Avoid low-fat or whipped varieties.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

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Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky creme brulee cheesecake merges classic French dessert with American cheesecake traditions. Rich custard layers and caramelized sugar create an indulgent experience you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar (for caramelized topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the surface and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Create a rich graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into an even layer across the pan’s bottom.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to eliminate any potential lumps.
  4. Introduce eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to ensure a silky, consistent texture.
  5. Gently fold in vanilla extract and heavy cream, stirring until the filling achieves a luxurious, uniform consistency without overmixing.
  6. Carefully transfer the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to eliminate air pockets.
  7. Place the cheesecake in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven, positioning it in the center for even heat distribution.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center while maintaining a set appearance around the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
  10. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar across the cheesecake’s surface.
  11. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving consistently to create a crisp, golden-brown crust that cracks beautifully when tapped.

Notes

  • Prevent Cracking: Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a water bath during baking to ensure even heat distribution and minimize surface cracks.
  • Texture Enhancement: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Torch Technique: Hold the kitchen torch about 2-3 inches away from the sugar surface and move continuously to create an even, golden-brown caramel layer without burning.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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