Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

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Silky, creamy cheesecake meets the caramelized sugar crust of crème brûlée in these delightful mini treats. Each bite is a perfect harmony of luscious vanilla bean filling and the satisfying crack of torched sugar, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and say, “Wow.”

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They’re elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough to whip up for a casual weekend treat. The individual portions make them easy to serve and irresistibly cute. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers luxury in bite-sized form.


Why You’ll Love This Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe

These mini cheesecakes combine the best of two iconic desserts. The creamy, tangy cheesecake base offers the perfect contrast to the crisp, burnt sugar topping that defines crème brûlée. Plus, making them in muffin tins means there’s no water bath or springform pan needed—just rich flavor and dreamy texture with less fuss.


Can I Use a Kitchen Torch for the Caramelized Topping?

Absolutely. In fact, using a kitchen torch is the best way to achieve that authentic crème brûlée crack. It allows you to melt and caramelize the sugar quickly without warming the cheesecake itself. If you don’t have a torch, a broiler can work—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.


Ingredients for the Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

  • Graham cracker crumbs – Form the buttery, slightly crunchy base.
  • Unsalted butter – Binds the crust and adds richness.
  • Cream cheese – The star of the show; provides creamy texture and tang.
  • Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake and becomes the crackly topping.
  • Sour cream – Adds smoothness and depth of flavor.
  • Eggs – Help set the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla bean paste or extract – Adds classic, warm vanilla flavor.
  • Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.

How To Make the Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into lined muffin tins to form a base. Bake briefly to set.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix just until combined.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter over the crusts. Bake until just set and slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool completely, then chill.

Step 4: Add the Brûlée Topping

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.


How to Serve and Store Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes

These mini cheesecakes are best served chilled, shortly after torching the sugar for that perfect contrast of textures. They serve about 12 people and are perfect for parties or afternoon indulgence.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best brûlée topping, torch just before serving rather than in advance.


What to Serve With Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes?

Fresh Berries

Raspberries or sliced strawberries add a fresh, tart contrast.

Espresso or Coffee

Bitterness balances the richness of the cheesecake.

Dark Chocolate Shavings

Sprinkle some over the top for elegance and a touch of cocoa.

Sparkling Wine

Light bubbles refresh your palate between bites.

Berry Coulis

A drizzle of raspberry sauce adds color and tang.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Double down on the creamy vanilla goodness.

Roasted Nuts

Add crunch and a hint of salt to the dessert plate.


Want More Cheesecake Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into these mini crème brûlée cheesecakes, don’t miss these other unique takes on classic desserts:


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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you torch the sugar or broil it? Add a hint of citrus? Maybe even a chocolate drizzle?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions welcome—let’s bake smarter together.

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Mini Creme Brulee Cheesecakes

Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Love cheesecake? Craving crème brûlée? These Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes combine the best of both worlds in one elegant, bite-sized dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth vanilla cheesecake center, and a caramelized sugar topping that cracks with a tap of your spoon, this is your new go-to for parties, holidays, or simply treating yourself. Perfect for any dessert lover looking for easy recipes, dessert ideas, or a show-stopping treat that doesn’t require a springform pan or water bath. Whether for entertaining, holiday desserts, or special occasions, this is a total crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

120g graham cracker crumbs

60g unsalted butter, melted

450g cream cheese, softened

150g granulated sugar

120g sour cream

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)

1/4 tsp salt

50g granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of each liner to form a crust. Bake for 5 minutes and let cool.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 150g sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

4. Divide batter evenly among crusts. Bake for 18–20 minutes until centers are set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours.

5. Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon sugar over each cheesecake and torch until caramelized and golden. Serve immediately.

Notes

These are best served right after torching the sugar topping to keep that perfect crackly crust.

Don’t overbake—cheesecakes should still jiggle slightly in the center when done.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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