Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form a crust. Bake for 5-7 minutes until set, then remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean paste, sour cream, and flour until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, filling each cupcake liner about 3/4 full.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tin, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to chill.

Step 4: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping

1. Once the cupcakes are chilled, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of each cheesecake.
2. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the cupcakes under a broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Tips for Success

• Chilling Time: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cupcakes to chill for several hours or overnight before caramelizing the topping.
• Vanilla Bean Option: For an extra burst of flavor, use fresh vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract in the cheesecake filling.
• Topping Variations: Get creative with your toppings! You can add fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.

Pairing Suggestions

These Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes pair wonderfully with:

• Beverages: Serve with a cup of coffee or espresso to complement the creamy sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Fruits: Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, make a lovely accompaniment, adding a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

Indulging in Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes is a delightful experience that brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of cheesecake and the crispy elegance of crème brûlée. With their unique flavor, delightful texture, and perfect portion size, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. So, are you ready to treat yourself to a batch of these delicious creations? Gather your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!

Enjoy creating and sharing these decadent cupcakes!