Brûléed Cheesecake: The Ultimate Creamy Dessert with a Crunchy Caramel Top

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)
crème brûlée cheesecake

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)

Can I brûlée a cheesecake?

Yes! Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for a brûlée topping. Once chilled, simply sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top and torch it until golden and crispy.

What is so special about crème brûlée?

Crème brûlée is beloved for its rich, silky custard base paired with a crunchy caramelized sugar topping. The contrast of textures makes it a truly luxurious dessert.

What pairs well with crème brûlée?

Crème brûlée pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine. The light tartness of fruit balances the creamy sweetness.

What dessert is similar to crème brûlée?

If you love crème brûlée, you might enjoy flan, panna cotta, pot de crème, or custard tarts. These desserts share the same creamy, velvety texture.

What is the English version of crème brûlée?

A close English equivalent to crème brûlée is burnt cream, which is essentially the same dessert with a caramelized sugar topping.

crème brûlée cheesecake

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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crème brûlée cheesecake

Brûléed Cheesecake


  • Author: Dana
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

An ultra-creamy, vanilla-infused cheesecake with a buttery gingersnap crust, topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar layer—perfect for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups gingersnap cookies, crushed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup superfine sugar
  • Fresh raspberries (optional)
  • Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix crushed gingersnaps, sugar, salt, and melted butter, then press into the pan.
  3. Bake crust for 10 minutes and let cool.
  4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and cornstarch.
  5. Mix in eggs one at a time, then pour filling over cooled crust.
  6. Wrap pan in foil and place in a roasting pan with hot water.
  7. Bake for 50-55 minutes, then cool in the oven for 1 hour.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
  9. Sprinkle superfine sugar over the top and caramelize with a kitchen torch.
  10. Let sugar harden for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a fun twist, try a chocolate crust or swirl in raspberry puree before baking!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: cheesecake, brûlée, caramelized sugar, dessert, creamy, vanilla

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