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Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes - featured image

These Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes combine creamy vanilla bean custard, caramelized sugar topping, and a tender cupcake base for a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean seeds.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  4. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  5. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with the vanilla bean seeds over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened.
  6. Use a sharp knife to cut out a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with the custard mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  7. Sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar over each cupcake. Use a blow torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let the caramelized sugar set for a minute before serving.

Notes

[‘Use high-quality vanilla beans for the best flavor.’, ‘Cool the cupcakes completely before filling to avoid soggy centers.’, ‘Move the torch in small circles for even caramelization.’, ‘You can make the custard filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Vanilla Bean, Crème Brûlée, Cupcakes, Party Dessert, Elegant Dessert