Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Name: Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the luxurious flavor of Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and a crispy caramelized topping.

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2025-12-21T00:30:59.134Z

These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The rich, creamy cheesecake filling is infused with real vanilla bean, while the signature brûléed sugar topping adds a delightful crunch.

        Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
        Decadent cheesecake flavor with a hint of vanilla bean
Irresistible crispy caramel topping
Perfectly portioned for easy serving
A unique twist on classic desserts

      

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert to impress your family and friends. Their elegant presentation and rich flavor make them suitable for celebrations, holidays, or simply a weeknight treat. Each bite reveals a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and a satisfying crunch from the caramelized sugar topping, ensuring that everyone will be coming back for seconds.

These cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings or flavors, such as fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a delightful dessert to enjoy at home, these cupcakes will surely be a hit.

Baking Tips for Success

When making Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese. This will help create a smooth and creamy filling without lumps. Take care to mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.

If you don't have a kitchen torch for caramelizing the sugar, you can alternatively place the cupcakes under a broiler for a few minutes. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. With these tips, you'll achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures in your cupcakes.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to serve them later, it's best to caramelize the sugar just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch.

For an extra special touch, consider garnishing your cupcakes with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cheesecake. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness of these simple yet elegant additions.

Ingredients

Cupcake Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brûlée Topping

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Make sure to prepare all ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

Make the Cupcake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared liners, filling each about halfway.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, egg, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Add Cheesecake Filling

Spoon the cheesecake filling on top of the cupcake batter in each liner, filling them to about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Brûlée

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before sprinkling a thin layer of granulated sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.

Let the caramelized topping cool before serving for the perfect crunch.

Nutritional Information

Each Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcake is a delightful indulgence, offering a mixture of essential nutrients alongside its rich flavors. While they are a treat, moderation is key to enjoying these cupcakes as part of a balanced diet. Each cupcake contains approximately 250 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The primary ingredients, such as cream cheese and eggs, contribute to the protein content, while the sugars provide energy. When enjoying these cupcakes, consider pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea to enhance the overall experience.

Variations to Try

Experimenting with flavors can elevate your Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes to new heights. Try adding a swirl of fruit puree to the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist, or incorporate chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate version. Each variation brings a unique taste while maintaining the essence of the original recipe.

For those who prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, consider using high-quality vanilla extract or even a combination of vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste. This will enhance the overall depth of flavor, making these cupcakes even more irresistible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes and cheesecake filling a day in advance. Just brûlée the sugar topping right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for vanilla bean paste?

You can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unbrûléed cupcakes. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the caramelized topping.