Description

This decadent crème brûlée cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the iconic caramelized sugar crust of crème brûlée. It’s an easy, show-stopping dessert perfect for impressing guests at any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add 1 cup sugar and beat again. Mix in heavy cream, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and salt. Scrape down the sides to avoid lumps.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the pan inside a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
Turn off the oven, prop the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove from the water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. (Alternatively, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.) Let the sugar cool for 2-3 minutes.
Run a knife around the edge, unlatch the springform, and slice with a warm, clean knife. Wipe the knife between slices for neat presentation.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter. Always double-wrap your pan in foil to prevent water from leaking into the crust. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for the best texture. For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 310
Fat: 29
Saturated Fat: 17
Carbohydrates: 36
Protein: 6

Keywords: crème brûlée cheesecake, cheesecake, crème brûlée, dessert, caramelized sugar, French dessert, easy cheesecake, showstopper dessert