Dreamy Creme Brûlée Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Success Awaits

Sweet aromas of vanilla and caramelized sugar dance through the kitchen when you whip up these delectable creme brûlée cupcakes that blend classic French dessert elegance with modern bakery charm.

Silky custard filling nestles perfectly inside tender cake layers, creating a decadent surprise with every bite.

The delicate cupcake base provides a soft canvas for the rich, creamy center that mimics the beloved traditional dessert.

Topped with a crisp, crystallized sugar shell that cracks beautifully under a spoon, these cupcakes offer a playful twist on the restaurant favorite.

Each carefully crafted cupcake promises a luxurious dessert experience that balances smooth cream and caramelized sweetness.

Bakers seeking to impress will find this recipe an irresistible way to elevate their dessert game and delight even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

Calories: 319 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients to Make Creme Brûlée Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the cupcake foundation.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and airy texture with perfect rise and softness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to create smooth, delicate cake texture.
• Water: Helps achieve ideal batter consistency and lightness.

• Egg Yolks: Creates silky, luxurious pastry cream with rich golden color.
• Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes pastry cream while providing smooth consistency.
• Cornstarch: Thickens cream and prevents separation during cooking.
• Milk: Delivers creamy, velvety base for pastry filling.
• Butter: Adds decadent flavor and glossy finish to pastry cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertone to filling.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for caramel-infused frosting.
• Shortening: Helps stabilize frosting and create perfect piping texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting for elegant presentation.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces deep, complex sweetness and golden color.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates crispy, crackling caramelized topping.

Tools for Baking Creme Brûlée Cupcakes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake batter ingredients smoothly.
• Cupcake pan: Needed to shape and bake cupcakes perfectly.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements are crucial.
• Electric mixer: Helps cream butter and mix batter efficiently.
• Cooling rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Saucepan: Used for preparing pastry cream.
• Whisk: Helps blend pastry cream ingredients smoothly.
• Cupcake corer or paring knife: Creates space for pastry cream filling.
• Piping bag with round tip: For creating professional-looking frosting.
• Kitchen torch: Caramelizes sugar topping for authentic crème brûlée effect.

How to Prepare Creme Brûlée Cupcakes Step-by-Step

• Sugar Preparation

Gather all necessary ingredients and tools for creating delightful creme brûlée cupcakes.

• Cupcake Base Creation

Blend softened butter and sugar until creamy, then incorporate sour cream and vanilla for rich flavor.

• Batter Development

Gently fold egg whites into mixture, alternating with dry ingredients and milk to create smooth, airy batter.

• Baking Process

Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake until golden and perfectly risen.

• Pastry Cream Magic

Craft silky smooth pastry cream by carefully tempering egg yolks with warm milk mixture, creating a luxurious filling.

• Frosting Transformation

Whip together butter, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce to develop a dreamy, luscious topping.

• Cupcake Assembly

Hollow out cupcake centers and generously fill with velvety pastry cream.

• Decorative Touch

Pipe elegant frosting swirls on top of each cupcake, creating beautiful dome-like peaks.

• Caramelized Finish

Sprinkle sugar over frosted cupcakes and use kitchen torch to create crispy, golden caramelized surface.

• Serving Suggestion

Chill cupcakes briefly before serving to maintain perfect texture and flavor balance.

Tips to Torch Creme Brûlée Cupcake Tops

• Master the art of caramelizing sugar by moving the kitchen torch slowly and evenly across the surface, keeping it about 2 inches away to prevent burning.
• Boost pastry cream's richness by adding a splash of bourbon or dark rum for a sophisticated flavor twist that complements the caramel notes.
• Prepare components separately up to two days in advance – bake cupcakes, make pastry cream, and store in separate airtight containers to streamline assembly.
• Experiment with different sugars like demerara or raw sugar for a more complex caramelization and added crunch on top of the frosting.
• Infuse the pastry cream with citrus zest, lavender, or espresso powder to create unique variations that elevate the classic creme brûlée profile.

Serving Ideas for Creme Brûlée Cupcakes

• Elegant Dessert Centerpiece: Position these luxurious cupcakes on a sleek white ceramic platter, creating a stunning display that catches everyone's eye during dinner parties or special celebrations.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement the rich caramel and creamy flavors with a smooth espresso, aged port wine, or a classic vanilla latte to enhance the dessert's sophisticated profile.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle crushed caramel pieces, edible gold flakes, or delicate candied orange zest on top of the caramelized sugar for an extra touch of gourmet elegance and visual appeal.
• Presentation Perfection: Serve individual cupcakes on small vintage dessert plates with a small silver dessert fork, creating an upscale restaurant-style experience that feels both indulgent and refined.

Storing Creme Brûlée Cupcakes Without Losing Texture

• Cupcake Cooldown Strategy: Let cupcakes rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture. Cold desserts can dull taste sensations, so this step helps unlock delicious nuances.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store these delicate treats in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting damage and maintain pristine appearance.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pastry cream and cupcake bases one day in advance. Keep components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Unfrosted cupcake bases can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and frozen for 4-6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and complete final assembly when ready to enjoy, ensuring maximum freshness and minimal waste.

Silky Creme Brulee Cupcakes

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable creme brûlée cupcakes blend French pastry elegance with American cake traditions. Creamy custard centers and caramelized sugar tops create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 tbsps (84 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups (163 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cups (155 grams) sugar
• 6 tbsps (86 grams) sour cream, room temperature
• 6 tbsps (90 milliliters) milk, room temperature
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 6 tbsps (78 grams) sugar
• 1 ½ tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (14 grams) salted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (112 grams) salted butter
• ½ cup (95 grams) shortening
• 4 cups (460 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (52 grams) sugar
• 3–4 tbsps caramel sauce
• 2-3

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Configure oven to 350°F and line cupcake pan with decorative liners.
2. Create Cake Base: Whip butter and sugar into a fluffy, ethereal mixture, then seamlessly blend sour cream and vanilla essence.
3. Develop Batter Consistency: Gently fold egg whites into the mixture, alternating between dry ingredients and liquid components to maintain a smooth, refined texture.
4. Bake and Cool: Distribute batter evenly into liners, baking until a clean toothpick indicates doneness. Transfer to cooling rack and allow to reach room temperature.
5. Craft Pastry Cream: Delicately heat milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan, carefully tempering egg yolks and stirring consistently to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Prepare Frosting: Combine butter, shortening, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce, blending until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
7. Assemble Cupcakes: Hollow out cupcake centers, generously filling with pastry cream and applying frosting using an elegant piping technique.
8. Finish and Caramelize: Dust cupcake tops with granulated sugar, using a kitchen torch to create a glistening, crisp caramel layer.
9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate to set the frosting and maintain optimal flavor profile, serving chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Precision Mixing Matters: Fold egg whites gently to maintain the cupcake’s delicate, airy texture and prevent deflation.
• Temperature Control is Key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother blending and consistent baking results.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined to prevent tough, dense cupcakes.
• Torch Technique Tip: Move kitchen torch continuously while caramelizing sugar to prevent burning and achieve an even golden crust.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 319
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg