Description
A rich and creamy vanilla cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a crisp caramelized sugar topping that cracks beautifully with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150 grams)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided (1/4 cup for crust, 1 cup for filling, 3 tablespoons for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams)
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (680 grams)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 milliliters)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Wrap a 9 inch springform pan with foil to prepare for a water bath.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and mix gently. Blend in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Pour filling over the crust. Place the springform pan inside a roasting pan and pour hot water around it until it reaches halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 55 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar evenly on top and torch until caramelized. Let the topping harden, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Do not overmix after adding the eggs to avoid cracks.
- Chill completely before adding the sugar topping.
- Torch the sugar just before serving for the best crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American French Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28 grams
- Sodium: 320 milligrams
- Fat: 32 grams
- Saturated Fat: 19 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
- Cholesterol: 130 milligrams
Keywords: cheesecake brulee, creme brulee cheesecake, caramelized sugar cheesecake, baked cheesecake, vanilla cheesecake