Description
This Cheesecake Brulee recipe features a rich and creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with a beautifully caramelized sugar layer. The dessert is baked in a water bath for a smooth texture, chilled, and finished with a brûlée top for an elegant and satisfying treat perfect for special occasions or indulgent gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 10 Graham Cracker Sheets
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
Cheesecake Batter
- 3 packages Cream Cheese, softened (8 oz each, room temperature)
- 1 1/3 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Vanilla Bean Pods
- 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Full Fat Sour Cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form, then mix with melted butter and brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about half an inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool at room temperature.
- Make the Cheesecake Batter: Beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until soft and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the bowl sides as needed. Split the vanilla bean pods and scrape seeds into the cream cheese mixture, then beat for 2 more minutes until well combined.
- Add Eggs: Slowly add the eggs one at a time, mixing each fully but avoiding overmixing.
- Incorporate Dairy and Salt: On low speed, mix in sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble: Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare for Water Bath: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with several layers of foil. Place the pan into a larger pan and pour boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool in Oven: Turn oven off and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake sit inside the oven for 45 minutes until cooled to room temperature.
- Remove and Chill: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and remove foil. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Serve with Brûlée Topping: Release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch on its lowest setting to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and hardened, about 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smooth and creamy batter without lumps.
- Wrapping the pan with foil prevents water from leaking into the cheesecake during the water bath.
- Be cautious when caramelizing the sugar with a torch to avoid burning the sugar or the cheesecake surface.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to allow flavors to fully develop and texture to firm up.
- If you don’t have a torch, the sugar topping can be caramelized under a broiler but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American