Description
Rich, creamy creme brulee cheesecake blends two beloved desserts into one luxurious French-inspired masterpiece. Sweet caramelized sugar crackles atop silky cream cheese filling, inviting dessert enthusiasts to savor each elegant, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 8-ounce (226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Crust Ingredients:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare the oven environment at 325F (163C), ensuring the 9-inch springform pan is generously greased and carefully wrapped in protective foil to create a secure water bath foundation.
- Craft the rustic crust by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture compactly into the pan’s base. Briefly bake for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a subtle golden hue, then permit complete cooling.
- Create the luxurious filling by systematically beating cream cheese until velvety smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, then fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly integrated. Gently introduce eggs individually, using low-speed mixing to maintain a delicate texture.
- Delicately transfer the silky filling over the cooled crust, positioning the springform pan within a larger roasting vessel. Carefully pour hot water to approximately midway up the cheesecake’s exterior.
- Bake the delicate dessert for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center achieves a subtle, delicate jiggle that indicates perfect doneness.
- Deactivate the oven, slightly ajar the door, and allow the cheesecake to rest undisturbed for one hour. Subsequently, transfer to the refrigerator for a comprehensive chilling period of minimum 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Moments before serving, distribute a uniform layer of granulated sugar across the cheesecake’s surface. Employ a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a gleaming, caramelized crust with a golden, crisp finish. Pause briefly to allow the caramel to harden.
- Slice with precision and savor the exquisite dessert.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling with perfect texture.
- Avoid overmixing the eggs to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
- Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan with hot water to ensure even, gentle cooking and prevent surface cracks.
- Test doneness by gently shaking the pan – the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid when it’s perfectly baked.
- For gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar under the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Chill the cheesecake completely before adding the caramel topping to ensure a crisp sugar crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 318
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg