Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Tender, buttery, and custardy, Crème Brûlée Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of crème brûlée in a fun cupcake form. They make an excellent dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. With their smooth vanilla bean pastry cream filling and crunchy caramelized sugar topping, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Show-stopping presentation: These cupcakes look as amazing as they taste, making them perfect for impressing guests.
• Decadent flavor: The rich vanilla pastry cream filling adds an indulgent touch to each bite.
• Customizable toppings: Feel free to experiment with different sugars or even flavored toppings for a twist on this classic.
• Easier than it seems: While they may look complex, the steps are straightforward and manageable for bakers of all levels.

Tools and Preparation

Getting organized is key to making these cupcakes successfully. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare before diving into the recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin pan
• Paper liners
• Electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin pan: Essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly and ensuring even baking.
• Electric hand mixer: Greatly speeds up the mixing process, giving you light and fluffy batter without much effort.

Ingredients

Tender, buttery and custardy vanilla cupcakes filled and topped with the smoothest vanilla bean pastry cream with a crunchy caramelized sugar coating! It’s just like classic Crème Brûlée served in a cupcake! This dessert is such a show-stopper.

For the Pastry Cream

• 1 x recipe Easy One Pot Vanilla Pastry Cream

For the Cupcake Batter

• ½ cup (100g) coarse sugar (such as raw, turbinado or sanding sugar)
• 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, (softened)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp (7ml) pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (3g) cornstarch
• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp (95ml) whole milk
• 1 tbsp (15ml) sunflower oil (you can also use canola oil or vegetable oil)

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream Filling

Make the pastry cream filling following these instructions:
1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and flour in a small saucepan; whisk until there are no lumps.
2. Slowly whisk in cream until blended smoothly.
3. Add milk and whisk well; then incorporate egg yolks one at a time.
4. Massage the vanilla bean to release seeds; add both seeds and pod to the mixture.
5. Cook over medium-low heat while whisking constantly until thickened—about 10 minutes.
6. Remove from heat once it bubbles; let cool slightly before adding butter.
7. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate for at least four hours.

Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. Sift flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and vanilla using an electric mixer for about three minutes until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time; mix until well combined.
4. Whisk milk and oil together in another bowl or measuring jug.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternating with milk mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide batter among prepared muffin cups filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for approximately 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cupcakes cool for five minutes inside the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcakes

Using a sharp paring knife, cut out a small cone from each cooled cupcake’s center:
1. Fill with custard using a spoon; top with more custard evenly across each cupcake.
2. Refrigerate on a baking sheet for about fifteen minutes until firm.

Step 6: Caramelize Sugar Topping

Gently dip tops of cupcakes in coarse sugar:
1. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden brown.
2. Serve immediately for best results.

Enjoy your indulgent Crème Brûlée Cupcakes! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Crème Brûlée Cupcakes are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance their appeal. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests.

For a Classic Touch

• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy these cupcakes with a rich cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast that adds another layer of flavor.

For Festive Occasions

• Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and tartness.
• Whipped Cream: Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream for added richness and fluffiness.

For an Elegant Presentation

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pistachios on top for crunch and visual appeal.
• Edible Flowers: Decorate with edible flowers for a stunning presentation that elevates the cupcake’s charm.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Mini Dessert Cups: Serve alongside mini dessert cups filled with mousse or pudding for variety.
• Chocolate Dipped Fruits: Include chocolate-covered strawberries or bananas to create a harmonious dessert spread.

How to Perfect Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

To achieve the perfect Crème Brûlée Cupcakes, pay attention to some key details during preparation. These tips will help ensure your cupcakes are moist and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and quality vanilla extract. This enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Cool Completely: Let cupcakes cool completely before filling them. This prevents the custard from melting into the cake.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cornstarch helps create a lighter batter, resulting in fluffier cupcakes.
• Monitor Baking Time: Check your cupcakes 2-3 minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Chill Custard Well: Make sure your pastry cream is well-chilled before filling. This helps maintain its shape inside the cupcake.
• Caramelize Just Before Serving: For the best texture, caramelize the sugar topping right before serving to keep it crunchy.

Best Side Dishes for Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Crème Brûlée Cupcakes can shine even more when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to rich desserts like cupcakes.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
3. Chocolate Mousse: The lightness of chocolate mousse creates an elegant pairing that guests will love.
4. Tart Citrus Sorbet: A zesty sorbet cleanses the palate after indulging in sweet treats like Crème Brûlée Cupcakes.
5. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert offers additional layers of flavor without overpowering your main cupcake feature.
6. Lemon Bars: The tartness from lemon bars contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of cupcakes, creating balance on the dessert table.
7. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake offers texture variation while complementing the cupcake’s vanilla flavor profile.
8. Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized delights provide another rich option while maintaining an elegant vibe at any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crème Brûlée Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the pastry cream preparation: Many forget that the pastry cream should be made in advance. Making it a day ahead allows it to chill properly and set up, ensuring a perfect filling.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the batter’s consistency. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Neglecting to check oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can ruin your baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cupcakes bake evenly.
• Using granulated sugar for caramelization: Coarse sugar is essential for achieving that satisfying crunchy top. Granulated sugar will not give you the same texture when torched.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Crème Brûlée Cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in the container to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place cupcakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be careful not to overheat as this can affect texture.
• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, cover with a lid and warm for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crème Brûlée Cupcakes that may help clarify your baking experience.

Can I use different flavors for Crème Brûlée Cupcakes?

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the classic custard base.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and check that your leavening agents (like baking powder) are fresh, as this helps prevent sinking.

Can I make Crème Brûlée Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the cupcakes and pastry cream a day prior. Just assemble them closer to serving time for freshness.

What’s the best way to achieve a crunchy topping?

Using coarse sugar is key. After applying it, torch until golden brown but be cautious not to burn it excessively.

Why did my pastry cream curdle?

Curdling often occurs from cooking at too high a temperature or adding eggs too quickly. Whisk constantly and add eggs gradually for best results.

Final Thoughts

Crème Brûlée Cupcakes are an impressive dessert that combines classic flavors into an approachable format. Their tender texture and creamy filling make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different flavors or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion!