Description
Luxurious creme brulee cheesecake melds classic French dessert with creamy American tradition. Silky custard layers and caramelized sugar top create an elegant finale that promises rich indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl until ultra-smooth and creamy. Gently incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform consistency.
- Introduce eggs individually, blending on low speed to maintain the mixture’s delicate texture. Fold in heavy cream with gentle strokes, creating a luxurious filling.
- Transfer the silky filling onto the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Position the springform pan inside a larger water bath, ensuring water reaches midway up the pan’s sides.
- Bake at 325F for approximately 1 hour, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once fully chilled, create a crisp caramel topping by sprinkling granulated sugar uniformly across the surface. Use a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a golden, crackling layer.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a few minutes, creating that signature brittle crust. Slice and serve the decadent dessert immediately.
Notes
- Gently tap the springform pan on the counter to release air bubbles before baking, which helps create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust during the water bath baking method.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the cheesecake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the sugar topping.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 8.7 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.0 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.0 g
- Cholesterol: 21 mg