Description
Indulge in the luxurious combination of two classic desserts: creamy cheesecake and caramelized Crème Brûlée. This elegant dessert features a rich cheesecake base topped with a crisp layer of golden sugar, delivering a perfect balance of smoothness and crunch. It’s a show-stopping treat for any special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool.
-
Make the Cheesecake:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
-
Bake:
- Place the springform pan in a water bath (a larger pan filled with hot water to halfway up the sides).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Caramelize the Sugar:
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the chilled cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly to set the topping.
Notes
💡 Tips:
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- For added flavor, infuse the sugar topping with a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American