When it comes to show-stopping desserts, few rival the elegance and indulgence of a crème brûlée cake. Imagine the silky richness of cheesecake layered with the crisp caramelized topping of a classic crème brûlée—it’s a dessert destined to impress.
In this article, you’ll learn how to create the best crème brûlée cake step-by-step, discover the secrets to perfecting its signature topping, and explore expert tips to make it uniquely yours.
What Is Crème Brûlée Cake?
Crème brûlée cake combines the lusciousness of cheesecake with the defining feature of crème brûlée: its caramelized sugar topping. The result is a dessert with multiple textures and flavors that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
While traditional crème brûlée is served in small ramekins, this cake is designed for sharing. It features a buttery biscuit crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a caramelized sugar topping that cracks delightfully under the touch of a spoon.
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée Cake
- It’s a fusion of two iconic desserts, offering the creamy, velvety texture of cheesecake with the caramelized crunch of crème brûlée.
- The contrast of flavors—sweet, creamy, and slightly smoky—makes every bite unforgettable.
- It’s surprisingly simple to make with the right techniques, yet it looks like it came straight from a patisserie.
A Brief History of Crème Brûlée Cake
Crème brûlée itself dates back to 17th-century France, known as “burnt cream” for its torched sugar topping. Cheesecake, on the other hand, has roots as far back as Ancient Greece. The idea of combining these two desserts likely arose in modern kitchens, where bakers sought to merge beloved classics into new, innovative creations.
The crème brûlée cake became popular as food trends embraced hybrid desserts, giving us this masterpiece that blends sophistication with approachability.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Digestive biscuits – Used to create the crust, these provide a sturdy yet buttery base. If you don’t have digestive biscuits, graham crackers can be substituted for a slightly sweeter result. Avoid using overly crumbly cookies, as they may not hold together well.
Unsalted butter – Essential for binding the crust, unsalted butter melts and blends with the biscuit crumbs to create a cohesive layer. Salted butter can be used if necessary, but reduce the added salt in the filling.
Cream cheese – The star ingredient of the cheesecake filling, cream cheese gives the cake its rich, creamy texture. For the best texture and consistency, it’s ideal to use full-fat cream cheese. Avoid low-fat versions, as they can result in a runny filling.
Caster sugar – Adds the perfect level of sweetness to the cheesecake filling without overpowering the delicate flavors. Fine caster sugar dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, ensuring a smooth texture.
Sour cream – Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess to the filling. Full-fat sour cream works best, but plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a lighter option.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling, providing a warm, aromatic sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste, as artificial vanilla can sometimes taste overly sweet or synthetic.
Salt – A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling. Do not skip it, as it elevates the other ingredients.
Eggs – The eggs provide structure to the cheesecake. Lightly beaten eggs mix more evenly into the filling, preventing overmixing and maintaining a creamy consistency. Use fresh, large eggs for the best results. Granulated sugar (for the topping) – This is used to create the signature caramelized crust. Choose a fine granulated sugar to achieve even caramelization when torched. Avoid using powdered or coarser sugars, as they don’t melt evenly.
How to Make Crème Brûlée Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling over them with a pin.
- Combine the crumbs with melted butter until fully moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, gently beat the cream cheese until smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a creamy texture.
- Add the sugar and continue mixing until well incorporated.
- Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blended evenly.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing on low speed to prevent air bubbles from forming.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil to prevent leaks and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Avoid overbaking.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan and prevent cracks. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.
Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake
Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set it fully. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Step 5: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled cake.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow the topping to harden for a few minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice with a hot knife for clean edges and serve this decadent dessert to delighted guests.
Expert Tips for Crème Brûlée Cake
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the filling blends smoothly, avoiding lumps.
- Torching the Sugar: Move the torch in circular motions to caramelize evenly without burning.
- Prevent Cracks: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a consistently low temperature.
- Chill Properly: A well-chilled cake is easier to slice and enhances the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: This leads to a dry texture and cracks in the cheesecake.
- Uneven Sugar Layer: Sprinkle sugar evenly to ensure uniform caramelization.
- Skipping the Chill: Without proper chilling, the cake won’t set or slice cleanly.
Variations to Try for Crème Brûlée Cake
Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cake
For all the chocolate lovers out there, try adding melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake filling of your Crème Brûlée Cake. This rich and decadent twist infuses the cake with a deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy custard and caramelized sugar topping. Simply melt your favorite dark chocolate and blend it into the filling before baking. The result is a luscious, indulgent dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy texture of a traditional Crème Brûlée Cake with the rich, intense flavor of chocolate.
Citrus Twist
If you’re looking for a refreshing flavor to brighten up the dessert, consider adding some citrus zest, like lemon or orange zest, to the filling. The citrus notes will cut through the sweetness of the cake and provide a zesty contrast to the creamy custard. Simply fold the zest into the filling mixture before baking for a subtle yet vibrant twist on the traditional recipe. This variation is perfect for spring or summer gatherings, offering a light, refreshing take on the classic Crème Brûlée Cake.
Espresso-Infused
For a coffee-flavored version of your Crème Brûlée Cake, try adding a shot of espresso to the filling. The coffee’s bold, bitter notes will complement the sweetness of the caramelized sugar and bring a deep, roasted flavor to the custard. It’s a great option for coffee aficionados or anyone who enjoys the combination of coffee and dessert. Just make sure to add the espresso after it’s cooled to avoid affecting the texture of the filling. This variation is perfect if you’re looking to add a little pick-me-up to your dessert!
Serving Suggestions for Crème Brûlée Cake
Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream:
To elevate your Crème Brûlée Cake and add a touch of elegance, serve it with a side of fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The bright, tart flavor of the berries perfectly balances the rich, sweet custard of the cake. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious finish, enhancing the cake’s creamy texture while offering a light contrast to the dense, indulgent custard. The combination of these toppings not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and creamy.
How to Store Crème Brûlée Cake
Refrigerator Storage:
When storing your Crème Brûlée Cake in the refrigerator, it’s essential to keep it in an airtight container. This prevents the cake from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge and helps preserve the freshness of the delicate custard filling. By storing it properly, you can enjoy the cake for up to 4 days. However, be aware that as it sits, the caramelized sugar topping may begin to soften, losing its signature crispness. If this happens, you can always re-crack the sugar layer before serving for that fresh brûlée experience.
Freezer Storage:
If you want to store your Crème Brûlée Cake for a longer period, freezing is a great option. To preserve the cake’s integrity, freeze individual slices without the caramelized sugar topping. This step is crucial because the sugar, once frozen and then thawed, may become soggy, which is undesirable.
Freezing your slices without the topping allows you to maintain the creamy, velvety custard texture intact. You can store the slices in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. These slices can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to enjoy the cake again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then add the caramelized sugar topping afterward using a kitchen torch or broiler. This ensures that the Crème Brûlée Cake will retain its signature crispy top and creamy custard, offering the perfect texture contrast upon serving.
FAQs About Crème Brûlée Cake
What is the secret of crème brûlée?
The true magic of crème brûlée lies in its delicate balance of textures. The perfect caramelized sugar layer is achieved through precise technique and timing. When sprinkled evenly over the chilled custard, fine granulated sugar should be torched or broiled to create a crisp, amber crust that cracks satisfyingly under the light pressure of a spoon. This topping not only adds a smoky sweetness but also protects the creamy custard beneath, keeping it silky and smooth. Achieving the ideal consistency requires chilling the custard thoroughly before caramelizing the sugar to ensure the hot top layer doesn’t compromise the custard’s creaminess.
What is the point of crème brûlée?
The beauty of crème brûlée lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The crisp, caramelized sugar layer provides a slight resistance, creating a sensory delight when cracked open. This moment of breaking through unveils the luscious, velvety custard below. The custard itself offers a gentle sweetness with hints of vanilla and cream, perfectly complementing the brittle, smoky top. This harmonious interplay of crunchy and creamy makes each bite an indulgent experience, satisfying multiple senses at once. It’s this exquisite pairing that makes crème brûlée a timeless classic in desserts.
What is the best pairing for crème brûlée?
Crème brûlée pairs beautifully with fresh, tart fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even slices of kiwi, as their acidity cuts through the richness of the custard and caramelized topping. For beverages, a well-brewed espresso enhances the dessert’s flavor profile with its robust, bitter notes contrasting the sweetness of the brûlée. Alternatively, a dessert wine, such as Sauternes or a Moscato d’Asti, provides a complementary sweetness and aromatic complexity. For those who enjoy tea, a cup of lightly brewed Earl Grey or chamomile can add a refreshing touch to balance the dessert’s richness.
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Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 100 g unsalted butter melted
- 170 g digestive biscuits or graham crackers for a sweeter base
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 900 g cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 200 g caster sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 160 g sour cream
- 4 large eggs lightly beaten
- A pinch of salt
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 50 g granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling over them with a pin.
- Combine the crumbs with melted butter until fully moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, gently beat the cream cheese until smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a creamy texture.
- Add the sugar and continue mixing until well incorporated.
- Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blended evenly.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing on low speed to prevent air bubbles from forming.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil to prevent leaks and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Avoid overbaking.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan and prevent cracks. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.
Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set it fully. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Step 5: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled cake.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow the topping to harden for a few minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice with a hot knife for clean edges and serve this decadent dessert to delighted guests.