Oh my gosh, you guys! I cannot wait to share this Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites recipe with you. It’s been a hit at our gatherings and honestly, these little treats are just pure joy! Every time I bring them out, they disappear faster than I can say “cheesecake.” They’re rich, creamy, and have that delightful caramelized top that gives you that iconic crème brûlée vibe. It feels like indulging in a fancy dessert without all the fuss!
What I love most about these bites is that they’re not only adorable but also super easy to whip up. You can serve them for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in with my husband and our cat, or a fun get-together with friends. They’re perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings but in a dainty little way, making them fun to eat! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could pair them with my Berry Compote recipe for a fresh twist. Happy baking! 🍰✨
Why You’ll Love This Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Decadent flavor combining creamy cheesecake and a crispy brûlée topping
- Perfectly portioned bites for easy sharing or enjoying solo
- Rich and smooth cream cheese filling with a hint of vanilla
- Buttery graham cracker crust adds just the right crunch
- Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal baking time
- Customizable garnishes with fresh raspberries or mint leaves add a pop of color
- Impressive treat that’s perfect for parties or special occasions
These cheesecake bites offer a delightful twist on classic crème brûlée, providing that satisfying caramelized sugar crunch atop a creamy filling all in a mini size! Perfect for dessert lovers who want a little indulgence without the fuss.
How to Make Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites
Oh my goodness, these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites are simply irresistible! They’re the perfect treat for a dinner party or just a cozy dessert night at home. With the rich, creamy filling and that satisfying crunchy caramel top, they’ll definitely impress your friends and family!
What You’ll Need:
- Graham cracker crumbs – 1 cup. You can crush your own from whole crackers, but store-bought works just fine too!
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup for the crust and 1/2 cup for the filling, plus another 1/4 cup for caramelizing. I like using organic sugar; it gives a cleaner taste.
- Unsalted butter – 1/3 cup, melted. Always go for unsalted so you can control the sweetness!
- Cream cheese – 16 oz, softened. I prefer Philadelphia Cream Cheese for its smooth texture!
- Large eggs – 2. Bring them to room temperature for a fluffier filling!
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract is my go-to for the best flavor.
- Heavy cream – 1/4 cup. Horizon Organic heavy cream really enhances the creaminess here.
- Fresh raspberries and mint leaves – for optional garnish. These add a lovely pop of color and freshness!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter until everything is combined well.
- Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with a bit of butter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each cavity, pressing down to form a firm crust. Bake for 5-7 minutes until just set, then let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar, mixing until combined, then add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Once done, turn off the oven and crack open the oven door. Let the cheesecake bites cool in the oven for about 1 hour, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or until chilled completely.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cheesecake bite.
- Use a kitchen torch to gently caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and bubbly. If you don’t have a torch, you can quickly pop them under the broiler for a few minutes—just keep an eye on them!
- Let them cool for a minute before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves to make it extra special!
Enjoy your oh-so-delicious Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites! Trust me, they won’t last long!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you want to switch it up, you can use crushed Oreos, vanilla wafer cookies, or even nut-based crusts for a gluten-free option. Just make sure the texture is fine and you adjust the sugar content if needed, as different cookies can vary in sweetness!
How Do I Ensure My Cheesecake Filling Is Smooth?
Here’s a tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps. Beat it thoroughly until creamy before adding the sugar and eggs. Mixing one egg at a time also helps achieve that smooth consistency!
Can I Make These Cheesecake Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the cheesecake bites up to a day in advance. Just ensure they cool and refrigerate them tightly covered. Add the brûlée topping and caramelize just before serving to keep that delightful crispy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover sugar topping, it’s best to leave it off until you’re ready to eat; that way, the brûlée will remain crunchy!
More Delicious Dessert Recipes!
If you love sweet treats, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites
- Mini Raspberry Tarts with a Twist
- Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
- Blueberry-Filled Cinnamon Rolls
- Pink Velvet Cinnamon Roll Treats
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites
Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bites combine the rich flavor of cheesecake with a sweet, caramelized top, offering a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: American
- Cuisine: Baking
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- For the brûlée topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Optional garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each cavity. Bake for 5-7 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add sugar and mix well. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth and combined.
- Pour cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crusts, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let cool for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake bite.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, place under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely.
- Let cool for a minute before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
Notes
For a different flavor, consider adding citrus zest to the cheesecake filling or swapping out the graham cracker for cookie crumbs in the crust. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesecake bites, crème brûlée, mini desserts, party treats