Oh, you’re in for a treat with these creme brulee cupcakes! They’re like little bites of heaven, combining the rich, creamy flavor of classic creme brulee with the fluffy goodness of a cupcake. Imagine a soft vanilla cupcake topped with a luscious vanilla custard and a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that crackles with every bite. And don’t worry, we’re keeping it light and fun—no alcohol here! Just pure, delightful flavors that will have you swooning. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to impress your friends and family!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the creamy custard flavor in every bite!
- This one’s a game-changer for your dessert table—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Perfectly topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar layer—who can resist that?
- These cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, making them a fun surprise!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | French |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 12 cupcakes |
| Best Served: | Chilled |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – a key component for structure and texture.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crust.
- Baking powder – ensures the cupcakes rise perfectly.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Eggs – bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, sweet flavor; opt for pure extract for the best taste.
- Heavy cream – creates a rich, custardy filling; use fresh cream for the best results.
- Brown sugar – adds a deep, caramel flavor to mimic traditional crème brûlée.
- Granulated sugar (for topping) – caramelizes beautifully for that signature crunchy top.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up some delightful creme brulee cupcakes with these easy steps!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and perfectly!
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), and 2 large eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This will give your cupcakes that rich, creamy flavor!
Step 4: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Line a cupcake tin with liners. Fill each liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Don’t overfill; they need room to rise!
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean!
Step 6: Cool the Cupcakes
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Creme Brulee Topping
In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar. Slowly add the hot cream to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Step 8: Caramelize the Sugar
Pour the mixture over the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the caramelized sugar cool for a minute. Then, dig in and enjoy your delightful creme brulee cupcakes!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix; gently fold in the dry ingredients to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- For a richer flavor, add a touch of vanilla extract to the batter.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the brûlée topping for the best texture.
- Use a kitchen torch for a perfectly caramelized sugar crust; practice makes perfect!
How to Serve
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle with crushed caramelized sugar for a crunchy texture.
- Pair with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzle with a homemade caramel or chocolate sauce for added sweetness.
- Garnish with a mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures your creme brulee cupcakes stay delicious for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the caramel topping separate until ready to serve.
Freezing
• Cool cupcakes completely before freezing.
• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• For a crispy topping, broil briefly after reheating.
• Enjoy warm for the best texture and taste!
FAQs
What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream in the frosting?
You can use coconut cream or a mixture of milk and butter as a lighter alternative. Both options will still give you a rich and creamy texture that complements the cupcakes beautifully.
How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Make sure to not overmix your batter, as this can incorporate too much air. Also, ensure your oven is preheated and avoid opening the door while baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause sinking.
Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the frosting and caramel topping right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—creme brulee cupcakes that are sure to bring a smile to your face! These delightful treats are not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and indulge in the creamy, caramelized goodness. Remember, every bite is a little moment of joy. Enjoy the sweet journey, and happy baking!
creme brulee cupcakes
Equipment
- 1 Cupcake tin For baking the cupcakes.
- 1 mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
- 1 Saucepan For heating the cream.
- 1 Kitchen torch For caramelizing the sugar topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour A key component for structure and texture.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crust.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder Ensures the cupcakes rise perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Infuses a warm, sweet flavor; opt for pure extract for the best taste.
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream Creates a rich, custardy filling; use fresh cream for the best results.
Topping
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar Adds a deep, caramel flavor to mimic traditional crème brûlée.
- Granulated sugar for topping Granulated sugar Caramelizes beautifully for that signature crunchy top.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and perfectly!
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), and 2 large eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This will give your cupcakes that rich, creamy flavor!
- Line a cupcake tin with liners. Fill each liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Don’t overfill; they need room to rise!
- Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean!
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar. Slowly add the hot cream to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cupcake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy!
- Let the caramelized sugar cool for a minute. Then, dig in and enjoy your delightful creme brulee cupcakes!
