Description
Luxurious vanilla bean cheesecake cupcakes offer a delightful fusion of creamy indulgence and elegant dessert charm. Sweet layers of smooth cheesecake nestled in delicate cupcake form promise pure bliss with each heavenly bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcake workspace by positioning the oven rack to 325F (160C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Create the graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar, then gently pressing the mixture into each liner. Bake for 8 minutes to set the base, then allow to cool completely.
- Craft the creamy cheesecake filling by vigorously mixing cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- Extract vanilla bean seeds and fold them into the mixture along with vanilla extract, creating a rich, aromatic base. Gently fold in sour cream to enhance the texture and flavor.
- Distribute the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each cupcake liner approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly jiggly center, which indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator for minimum 2 hours to firm and develop flavors.
- Create a caramelized topping by sprinkling sugar across the surface, then using a kitchen torch to achieve a golden, crisp layer. Alternatively, broil briefly for similar results.
- Allow caramelized cupcakes to cool before serving, ensuring the sugar topping hardens into a delicate, crackling surface.
Notes
- Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture without lumps.
- Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter after filling to release air bubbles and prevent cracks.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar by using a monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-carb, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg