Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes, where rich cheesecake meets the classic crème brûlée dessert in a delightful cupcake form.

Bethany Clarke

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:18:34.524Z

These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the best of both worlds: the creaminess of a cheesecake and the delightful crunch of a crème brûlée topping. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

A Unique Dessert Experience

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes offer a delightful twist on traditional desserts. Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the crispy caramel topping of crème brûlée creates an indulgent experience that is both luxurious and comforting. Each bite reveals layers of flavor and texture, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

These cupcakes are not just visually appealing; they also deliver a flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The infusion of vanilla bean adds depth and complexity, enhancing the overall richness of the cheesecake filling. The contrast of the soft cupcake base with the crunchy topping elevates this dessert to new heights.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, these Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes are an excellent choice. Their individual serving size makes them easy to share, and they are sure to impress your guests with their elegance and flavor.

Not only are these cupcakes suitable for special occasions, but they can also be enjoyed as a delightful pick-me-up during the week. The balance of sweetness and creaminess makes them a versatile dessert that can be savored at any time.

Storage and Serving Tips

To keep your Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to five days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. Just make sure to add the crème brûlée topping shortly before serving to ensure it remains crispy.

When serving, consider pairing these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. A sprinkle of fresh berries can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cupcakes.

Ingredients

Cupcake Base

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

Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 large egg

Crème Brûlée Topping

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a smooth batter.

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 large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

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

Assemble the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the cupcake batter, then add a spoonful of the cheesecake filling on top. Top with additional cupcake batter to cover the filling.

Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Add the Crème Brûlée Topping

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each cooled cupcake. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy top.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes!

Flavor Variations

While the classic vanilla bean flavor shines brightly in these cupcakes, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences. For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into the cupcake batter or add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling. This will create a rich chocolate cheesecake experience that chocolate lovers will adore.

If you prefer a fruity flavor, consider folding in some pureed strawberries or raspberries into the cheesecake filling. This will add a refreshing burst of fruitiness that complements the creamy texture beautifully, creating a deliciously unique dessert.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect texture in your cupcakes, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined helps to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy. Additionally, be sure to use room temperature ingredients, as this will create a smoother batter and filling, ensuring even baking and texture.

When caramelizing the sugar topping, take your time to achieve the ideal golden-brown color. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can also place the cupcakes under a broiler for a few minutes, but monitor them closely to prevent burning.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day ahead and add the crème brûlée topping just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.

→ How do I store the cupcakes?

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

→ Can I use a different flavor for the topping?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavor extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique twist.

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes, where rich cheesecake meets the classic crème brûlée dessert in a delightful cupcake form.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Bethany Clarke

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

Cupcake Base

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  6. 1/2 tsp baking powder
  7. 1/4 tsp salt

Cheesecake Filling

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  4. 1 large egg

Crème Brûlée Topping

  1. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  2. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the cupcake batter, then add a spoonful of the cheesecake filling on top. Top with additional cupcake batter to cover the filling.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 06

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each cooled cupcake. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g