Name: Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or seeds from 1 vanilla bean pod; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing on top)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 67 reviews

If you adore the creamy richness of traditional crème brûlée but crave a more portable, cupcake-sized treat, then you must try this irresistible Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe. It beautifully marries the silky custard flavors laced with real vanilla bean specks inside a moist cake, crowned with that iconic crunchy caramelized sugar top. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little luxury, these cupcakes bring together the best of both worlds—smooth and crunchy in every delightful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls each with a black whisk inside, placed side by side on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left contains a thick orange-yellow liquid, smooth in texture with small bubbles on top, filling about two-thirds of the bowl. The bowl on the right holds a thinner, light yellow liquid, less dense with some foam and bubbles, also filling about two-thirds of the bowl. The bowls have a slight spout for pouring, and a small white circle labeled with the numbers

These simple yet essential ingredients combine to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal in your Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe. Each one is carefully chosen to ensure your cupcakes have that creamy custard allure and a tender crumb.

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Provides structure to your cupcakes for a light but sturdy base.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps your cupcakes rise and achieve a tender crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the sweet flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and moistness for a velvety texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup plus ¼ cup for topping): Sweetens and caramelizes to create that signature crunch.
Large eggs (2): Bind and enrich the batter with delicate fluffiness.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean pod (1 tablespoon or 1 pod): Infuses those irresistible aromatic specks and authentic vanilla flavor.
Whole milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps achieve that custard-like softness.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Contributes to creaminess, giving the cupcakes their luscious, creamy finish.

How to Make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners so your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove once done. This simple setup sets the stage for your delightful baking journey.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures your cupcakes rise evenly and taste perfectly balanced without any bitter or overly salty pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—this airiness will help create that tender crumb we all love.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Bean

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, stir in the vanilla bean paste or scrape and add the seeds from your vanilla pod. This luxury vanilla infusion adds complexity and those charming black specks throughout your batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternately add your dry ingredient mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined—a light touch here ensures your cupcakes stay soft and tender instead of becoming dense.

Step 6: Fold in Heavy Cream

Gently fold the heavy cream into your batter. This step adds the luscious creaminess that gives these cupcakes their signature custard-like richness without weighing down the texture.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for just the right height. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. The aroma while baking will be utterly irresistible!

Step 8: Cool and Prepare for Caramelizing

Let your cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key before you add the caramelized sugar topping—it ensures the sugar layer cracks perfectly.

Step 9: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Sprinkle about a teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cupcake. Using a food torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the sugar harden, providing that classic crisp shell to crack through with your spoon.

How to Serve Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows four white round ramekins arranged on a white marbled surface. Each ramekin contains a dessert with two distinct layers: a creamy, pale yellow base topped with a golden brown caramelized sugar crust that appears slightly uneven and textured. The caramelized tops have some darker burnt spots giving a rich, crispy look. The ramekins are spaced out evenly, showing the smooth contrast between the shiny caramel layer and the soft custard below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates both the flavor and presentation of your cupcakes. A few vibrant fresh berries stacked on top offer a tart contrast that cuts through the rich sweetness. A sprig of mint adds a burst of color and freshness, while a light dusting of powdered sugar over the berries gives a snowy finish, making your cupcakes look as stunning as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own but can also pair beautifully with light sides like a simple mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for extra indulgence. Fresh seasonal fruit like sliced peaches or kiwi adds a refreshing counterpoint that complements the creamy vanilla flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe into a showstopper by serving them on a rustic wooden board with colorful edible flowers or a drizzle of berry coulis around each cupcake. For entertaining, offer mini spoons alongside to encourage savoring that crunchy top. You can even place the cupcakes in delicate parchment cupcake wrappers for a touch of elegance perfect for bridal showers or tea parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cupcakes left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered prevents the delicate sugar crust from absorbing moisture and becoming soggy. For best taste, enjoy them as soon as possible to retain that contrast between soft cake and crispy top.

Freezing

You can freeze uncaramelized cupcakes for up to one month wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw completely at room temperature before caramelizing the sugar topping fresh. This keeps that crisp brûlée effect perfectly intact.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm your cupcake in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh the moist texture. Avoid microwaving, which can soften or melt the crunchy topping. If needed, re-caramelize the sugar briefly with your torch or under a broiler to restore that iconic crackle just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste or a pod?

While vanilla extract offers flavor, it lacks the visual charm of vanilla bean specks and the intense aroma that real vanilla bean provides. For the authentic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe experience, vanilla bean paste or pods are preferred, but extract can be a convenient substitute.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping?

No worries! You can place the sugared cupcakes under a broiler for just a few seconds. Keep an eagle eye on them to prevent burning, as they can go from perfect caramel to charred very quickly. The torch just gives you more control.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, leading to tough cupcakes instead of tender ones. Mixing just until combined followed by gently folding in cream keeps your cupcakes light, fluffy, and soft as a dreamy custard.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free butter substitutes and plant-based milks, but the rich texture from heavy cream is key to mimicking crème brûlée’s custard feel. For best results, try using full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream to retain a creamy finish.

How do I get that perfect crack on top when caramelizing the sugar?

Sugar needs to be evenly sprinkled and your heat source hot but controlled. Too cool and the sugar won’t caramelize well; too hot and it burns. Using a torch or broiler just long enough to get a golden color yields that satisfying, crispy crackle that makes this recipe so special.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe the next time you want to impress at a gathering or simply indulge in a cozy at-home treat. The luscious vanilla custard flavors, tender crumb, and that magical crackle of caramelized sugar make every bite remarkable. Once you experience these cupcakes, I’m certain they’ll become a new favorite to bake and share over and over again.