Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun sets and the kitchen fills with warmth, I find myself yearning for something truly special—enter the Silky Crème Brûlée Cheesecake. This dessert effortlessly marries the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the delightful crunch of caramelized sugar on top. Not only does it become the star of any dinner party, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. The buttery biscuit crust provides the ideal balance to the velvety filling, ensuring each slice is a memorable experience. So, are you ready to elevate your dessert game and impress your loved ones with this satisfying twist on a beloved classic? Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try? Indulgent Experience: This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake delivers an unforgettable flavor experience that perfectly balances creaminess and crunch. Impressive Presentation: The stunning caramelized sugar top adds a touch of elegance that will wow your guests at any gathering. Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dessert is infinitely simple, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Versatile Delight: Feel free to experiment with flavors—try adding fruit purees or nut extracts for a personalized twist! Perfect Make-Ahead Option: Plan ahead with this recipe, as the cheesecake can be made a couple of days in advance, leaving you stress-free on the day of your event. For more decadent cheesecake ideas, check out our Baked Cheesecake Discover and indulge in our Bake Chocolate Cheesecake options! Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Ingredients For the Crust • Digestive biscuits or graham crackers – These provide a delicious structure and flavor; opt for gluten-free alternatives for a gluten-free crust. For the Cheesecake Filling • Cream cheese – This is essential for achieving that creamy richness; use full-fat cream cheese for the best results, or Neufchâtel for a lighter option. • Sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly; choose granulated or caster sugar, and feel free to reduce for a less sweet cheesecake. • Eggs – Vital for structure and richness; ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. • Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and aroma; for an even richer profile, use vanilla bean paste instead. For the Topping • Sugar (for brûlée) – Needed for that perfect caramelization; using superfine sugar will help it melt quickest, making the brûlée step effortless. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your digestive biscuits or graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. In a bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, or until set and lightly golden, then set aside to cool. Step 2: Make the Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix, scraping down the sides as needed. Once well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated, followed by vanilla extract. The filling should be velvety and free of lumps, perfect for your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake. Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and place the pan in the oven. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, the center slightly jiggles, and the top turns a pale golden color. This gentle baking ensures a creamy texture without cracks. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. Step 4: Chill Once the cheesecake has cooled at room temperature for about an hour, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and ensures a firm yet creamy texture, making it easier to slice when you’re ready to serve. Step 5: Brûlée the Topping When you’re ready to finish your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, remove it from the fridge and sprinkle an even layer of superfine sugar over the top. Preheat your broiler or grill. Place the cheesecake under the heat for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the sugar melts and forms a beautiful caramelized crust. The sugar should bubble and darken without burning, creating that signature crispy topping. Step 6: Serve Once your caramelized topping has cooled and set for a minute, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan before releasing the springform. Slice the cheesecake into wedges, revealing the creamy filling beneath the brittle topping. Serve chilled, ideally garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit sauce for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Make Ahead Options These Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to impress without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cheesecake batter and crust up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the assembled cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the best flavor and texture, chill the cheesecake overnight before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy this indulgent dessert, just add the sugar topping and caramelize it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This way, you’ll achieve that delightful cracking sugar crust while ensuring the cheesecake remains just as creamy and delicious as when it was freshly made—perfect for easing your dessert preparations! How to Store and Freeze Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Fridge: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor. Freezer: If you want to freeze the cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen cheesecake, transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Avoid thawing at room temperature to preserve texture. Reheating: The brûlée topping is best enjoyed fresh, so consider caramelizing the sugar just before serving if you’ve made it in advance. Expert Tips for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Prevent Cracks: Ensure a gradual cool-down after baking by leaving the oven door ajar; this helps maintain a smooth surface for your cheesecake. Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, leads to a smoother filling and better incorporation. Superfine Sugar: For the best brûlée topping, opt for superfine sugar as it melts faster and caramelizes more evenly, creating that desired crunch. Watch Closely: When brûléeing, keep a close eye on the sugar to prevent burning; the golden color should be achieved in just a few minutes. Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the cheesecake to refrigerate for at least 4 hours ensures the perfect texture and flavor before serving. Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful dessert to suit your taste preferences! Gluten-Free: Substitute digestive biscuits with gluten-free graham crackers for a deliciously gluten-free crust without sacrificing flavor. Chocolate Twist: Add melted chocolate into the filling for a rich, chocolatey interpretation, creating a luscious dessert loved by chocolate enthusiasts. Fruit-Infused: Swirl in your favorite fruit puree, like raspberry or mango, into the filling for a burst of fruity flavor that complements the creamy richness beautifully. Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, into the crust for an added layer of flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Spiced Delight: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to give your cheesecake a warm and cozy flavor, perfect for fall gatherings. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake before brûléeing for a decadent caramel flavor to enhance the dessert’s richness. Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a delightful and aromatic twist that elevates the cheesecake’s flavor profile. For further inspiration, consider trying out our super easy Baked Oreo Cheesecake or indulge in a rich Bake Chocolate Cheesecake option for variety! What to Serve with Silky Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Enhance your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the rich and creamy profile of this cheesecake. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries and tart raspberries provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the cheesecake’s sweetness beautifully. Chocolate Ganache: A luxurious drizzle of rich chocolate adds an indulgent touch, creating a decadent pairing that’s irresistible. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream offers a perfect, creamy companion that enhances every bite of your cheesecake. Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee or a smooth espresso highlight the creamy notes, creating a harmonious flavor combination. Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest brightens up the dessert, adding a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. Toasted Nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans add crunch and a hint of earthiness, providing an enjoyable textural contrast to the silky cheesecake. Fruit Puree: A raspberry or mango puree drizzled on the plate not only enhances presentation but adds a fruity twist to each bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the cheesecake, creating an exquisite combination of flavors and textures. Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right cream cheese for my cheesecake? Absolutely! For the best results in your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, opt for full-fat cream cheese. It will give your cheesecake that rich, creamy texture we all love. If you’re looking for a lighter version, Neufchâtel is a great alternative that still yields delicious flavor, just remember to beat it until completely smooth. What’s the best way to store leftover cheesecake? To keep your leftover Crème Brûlée Cheesecake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture while being just as delightful the next time you indulge. If you want to make it ahead of time, this dessert is a great make-ahead option! Can I freeze my cheesecake, and how? Sure thing! To freeze your cheesecake, first let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Next, wrap it again in aluminum foil for double protection. This way, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight—this method helps preserve the creamy texture. What should I do if my cheesecake has cracks after baking? Very commonly, cracks can happen, but they don’t have to ruin your masterpiece! To prevent cracks, make sure to let your cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar after baking. Also, using room temperature ingredients can really help create a smoother batter, minimizing the chances of cracks when it bakes. Is there a way to make the sugar topping gluten-free? Indeed! The sugar used for the brûlée topping is always naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your base—such as the digestive biscuits—is gluten-free if you’re accommodating those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. There are plenty of gluten-free biscuit options available that will work perfectly for your crust. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? I recommend checking for any guest allergies, specifically to dairy or eggs, as these are key ingredients in the Crème Brûlée Cheesecake. If you’re accommodating someone with lactose intolerance, consider lactose-free cream cheese options. Always be thoughtful of your guests’ dietary needs to create a wonderful dessert experience! Dreamy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake for Your Dessert Table This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake delivers rich creaminess and a crunchy caramelized top, making it a must-try dessert for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: FrenchCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust200 grams Digestive biscuits or graham crackers Use gluten-free alternatives for a gluten-free crust.100 grams butter Melted.For the Cheesecake Filling600 grams cream cheese Use full-fat for the best results.150 grams sugar Granulated or caster sugar.3 large eggs Room temperature.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Or vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor.For the Topping100 grams sugar (for brûlée) Superfine sugar for best results. Equipment Springform Panfood processorelectric mixer Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Crème Brûlée CheesecakePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until velvety.Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set. Let cool gradually.Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.Sprinkle superfine sugar over the top and broil until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.Carefully run a knife around the edges and slice. Serve chilled with fresh berries or fruit sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1slicesCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesPrevent cracks by cooling gradually. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother filling. Chill thoroughly before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
