Decadent Crème Brûlée Cheesecake with Caramelized Sugar Topping
A rich and creamy cheesecake topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust that combines the best of cheesecake and crème brûlée in one elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits, finely crushed
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (for crust)
- 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream (optional)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for caramelized topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ½ cup sugar, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, blending after each addition without overmixing. Stir in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and sour cream until silky. Scrape bowl sides as needed.
- Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust in springform pan. Place pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly when shaken. Remove from oven and water bath. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, evenly sprinkle ½ cup granulated sugar over chilled cheesecake surface. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize sugar by moving flame in small circles until sugar melts and forms a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, place under broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp caramelized sugar topping.
Notes
Use a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure even baking. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid grainy texture. Caramelize sugar topping just before serving for best crispness. If no torch is available, use broiler carefully. For gluten-free crust, substitute graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookies. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of che
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 7
Keywords: cheesecake, crème brûlée, caramelized sugar, dessert, easy cheesecake, homemade dessert, creamy cheesecake, torch sugar topping