Crème Brûlée-Inspired Cupcakes

These Crème Brûlée-Inspired Cupcakes combine the rich, velvety flavor of crème brûlée with the light, fluffy texture of a cupcake. Topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, they’re the perfect fusion of a beloved dessert and a fun cupcake twist. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet treat any time, these cupcakes will impress your guests with their delicate flavor and beautiful finish.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each cupcake.
8. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating the signature crispy, golden crust of crème brûlée.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes

Variations

• Flavored Cupcake Base: Add a touch of almond extract or citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the batter for an extra flavor boost.
• Custard Filling: For an even richer experience, you can fill the center of the cupcakes with a small spoonful of custard before topping them with the caramelized sugar.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Instead of using the kitchen torch, you can drizzle warm caramel sauce on top of the cupcakes for a more indulgent dessert.
• Non-Dairy Option: Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, to make these cupcakes dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool area to maintain the texture of the caramelized sugar crust.
• Freezing: These cupcakes freeze well before the caramelizing step. Freeze the cupcakes after they’ve cooled completely and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw and caramelize the sugar on top.
• Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, microwave them for a few seconds, but be sure to re-crisp the sugar crust with the torch before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Do I need a kitchen torch to make these cupcakes? A kitchen torch is ideal for caramelizing the sugar, but you can also use the broiler in your oven for a few seconds. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
2. Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cupcakes ahead of time and store them without the sugar topping. When you’re ready to serve, add the caramelized sugar for a fresh finish.
3. Can I use brown sugar for the caramelized topping? While granulated sugar is traditionally used for crème brûlée, you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Keep in mind that it may create a slightly different texture.
4. Can I use a different kind of milk? Yes, you can use any kind of milk, including almond, oat, or soy milk, for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
5. How can I make sure the cupcakes are moist? Be careful not to overmix the batter and ensure you bake the cupcakes just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can result in dry cupcakes.
6. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of the caramelized sugar? Yes, you can use frosting if you prefer, but the signature caramelized sugar topping is key to the crème brûlée flavor.
7. Can I add a filling to these cupcakes? Yes! You can pipe a custard filling into the center before baking, or add a small spoonful of pastry cream after the cupcakes have cooled for a more traditional crème brûlée experience.
8. What should I do if I don’t have a torch? You can use your oven’s broiler setting to caramelize the sugar. Place the cupcakes under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
9. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cupcakes gluten-free.
10. Can I decorate these cupcakes with icing? You can decorate the cupcakes with a little vanilla or buttercream frosting if you’d like, though they are delicious on their own with the caramelized sugar topping.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée-Inspired Cupcakes offer a delightful and sophisticated twist on a classic dessert. With their soft, vanilla-infused cupcake base and crispy, caramelized sugar topping, they combine the best of both worlds in a single bite. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a special dinner, or just a treat to enjoy at home. Easy to make and fun to serve, they’re sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth!

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