There's something undeniably magical about the combination of crème brûlée and cheesecake. The contrast of textures—a crisp, caramelized sugar top giving way to a creamy, luscious cheesecake base—makes this dessert truly unforgettable.

I first fell in love with this dessert at a small Parisian café, where every bite felt like pure indulgence. When I set out to recreate it at home, I wanted to preserve that rich, velvety texture while ensuring the recipe was approachable for home bakers. After several trials, I perfected a method that guarantees success every time.

Why You'll Love This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. This crème brûlée cheesecake is everything you love about both classic desserts, blended into one irresistible creation.

First, it's surprisingly easy to make. While it looks like a showstopper, the step-by-step process ensures even beginners can achieve flawless results.

Next, the flavor is luxuriously rich. The cheesecake filling is smooth, creamy, and infused with real vanilla, while the caramelized sugar topping adds the perfect hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

If you're a fan of make-ahead desserts, you'll love this one. Since it needs time to chill, you can prepare it a day in advance, making it perfect for special occasions and gatherings.

Finally, that signature crackle when you break through the sugar top? Utterly satisfying. This cheesecake is the perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this crème brûlée cheesecake lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The crust starts with crushed graham crackers and melted butter. This forms a sturdy, slightly crunchy base that complements the smooth cheesecake filling beautifully. If you want a twist, swap graham crackers for Biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers.

For the cheesecake filling, full-fat cream cheese is non-negotiable. It provides the richness and structure needed for that signature creamy texture. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.

Heavy cream and egg yolks give the filling its velvety consistency. The extra yolks contribute to the custard-like texture that makes this cheesecake so special, mimicking the richness of crème brûlée.

A generous amount of pure vanilla extract or a vanilla bean pod takes this dessert to the next level. The real vanilla flavor is essential for achieving that classic taste.

You'll also need granulated sugar for both the filling and the caramelized topping. A kitchen torch is recommended for achieving the perfect crispy sugar layer, but a broiler can also work in a pinch.

How To Make This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Creating this crème brûlée cheesecake is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a flawless dessert every time.

Start by preparing the crust. Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake it for 10 minutes to set, then let it cool while you make the filling.

Next, make the cheesecake filling. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract, blending just until combined to keep the batter airy.

Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake using a water bath. This helps prevent cracks and ensures a silky texture. Wrap the springform pan in foil, place it in a larger pan, and pour hot water around it before baking at 325°F for about 60 minutes.

Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. Then refrigerate for at least four hours (or overnight) to set completely.

Just before serving, create the signature crème brûlée topping. Sprinkle an even layer of sugar over the chilled cheesecake and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until golden and crisp. Let it cool for a minute before slicing to allow the sugar to harden.

Storage Options

This cheesecake stores beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results, wait to add the caramelized sugar topping until just before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze the cheesecake (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

To re-crisp the sugar topping after refrigeration, simply sprinkle a fresh layer of sugar and torch it again for that perfect crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this crème brûlée cheesecake is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Chocolate Twist: Add melted white or dark chocolate to the filling for an extra indulgent variation.
Citrus Infusion: A touch of lemon or orange zest in the filling adds a refreshing brightness to the flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: For even more caramel goodness, drizzle homemade caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the graham cracker crust for a gluten-free cookie base to accommodate dietary needs.
Espresso Kick: Stir in a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee powder for a mocha-flavored version.

No matter how you customize it, this cheesecake is bound to impress. So grab your whisk and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious!