If you love cheesecake and crème brûlée, this dessert is about to change your life. It’s the best of both worlds—an ultra-creamy, vanilla-infused cheesecake with a buttery gingersnap crust, topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar layer. Every bite is a mix of silky cheesecake and the satisfying crunch of burnt sugar.

Making cheesecake from scratch might seem intimidating. However, with a little patience (and a kitchen torch), you’ll have a showstopping dessert that’s worth every step. So let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Brûléed Cheesecake

• Perfect texture – Soft, custard-like cheesecake meets crunchy sugar topping.
• Impressive but simple – With a little effort, this dessert becomes the star of any gathering.
• Family-friendly – Even kids love cracking into the caramelized sugar topping.
• Versatile – Easily swap out ingredients or flavors for a personalized touch.
• Great for any occasion – Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a regular weekend treat, this cheesecake shines.
• Make-ahead friendly – Cheesecake needs chilling time, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

What Makes This Cheesecake Special?

The combination of rich cheesecake and crispy brûléed topping takes this dessert to the next level. The vanilla bean flavor gives it an elegant depth, while the caramelized sugar provides a delightful crunch. It’s essentially a classic New York-style cheesecake but with a French twist!

Plus, the gingersnap crust adds a hint of spice that complements the creamy filling perfectly. If you love desserts with contrasting textures, this is the cheesecake for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups gingersnap cookies, crushed (or graham crackers, or Nilla Wafers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the brûléed cheesecake:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps maintain structure and silkiness)

The Brûlée Topping:

• ¼ cup superfine sugar (or regular sugar, finely ground)
• Fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional)
• Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Brûléed Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crushed gingersnaps, sugar, salt, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Next, add in vanilla bean paste, heavy cream, and cornstarch, mixing until combined.
3. One at a time, add the eggs, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake the brûléed cheesecake

1. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
2. Then, place the pan in a large roasting pan, and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
4. Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
5. Afterward, remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Brûlée the Top

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, evenly sprinkle superfine sugar over the surface.
2. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden brown and bubbly.
3. Finally, let the sugar harden for 5 minutes before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Brûléed Cheesecake , here are more delightful treats to explore:

• Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins – Moist and healthy muffins combining ripe bananas, oats, and rich chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Honey Banana Oat Cake – A naturally sweetened cake blending ripe bananas, fiber-rich oats, and the natural goodness of honey for a wholesome dessert.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle – A decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas, layered with whipped cream for an indulgent treat. ​
• Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread – A tropical twist on classic banana bread, incorporating juicy pineapple and shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture. ​
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A moist and spiced bread studded with rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful flavor perfect for fall mornings or dessert.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration Strawberry Cheesecake Banana

Make This Brûléed Cheesecake for Your Next Special Occasion

This brûléed cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat. It’s creamy, crunchy, and completely irresistible.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share your photos on Pinterest. Happy baking!

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