1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place. Gather all ingredients for your easy mini creme brulee cheesecakes. Let cream cheese and eggs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to blend smoothly. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or foil squares for easy removal. This setup prevents sticking and keeps shapes intact.

2-Second Step: Make the Crust. Mix 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 3 tbsp melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl until it looks like wet sand. Divide evenly among the 12 muffin cups, about 1 tbsp each. Press firmly with the back of a spoon or small glass for a solid base. Bake for 5 minutes to set. Remove and cool slightly while preparing filling.

3-Third Step: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp flour. Beat on medium until no lumps remain, scraping sides as needed. Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles and cracks.

4-Fourth Step: Fill and Bake the Minis. Spoon filling over crusts, filling each cup 3/4 full. Tap tin gently on counter to release bubbles. Place muffin tin in a larger baking pan. Add hot water to the larger pan halfway up the muffin tin sides for a water bath. This keeps cheesecakes moist and creamy. Bake at 325°F for 18-22 minutes. Edges set, but centers should jiggle slightly like Jell-O.

5-Fifth Step: Cool and Chill. Turn off oven, crack door, and let minis cool inside for 1 hour to avoid sinking. Then transfer to wire rack for 30 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Chilling firms the filling for the perfect creme brulee cheesecake bite.

6-Final Step: Torch the Sugar Top and Serve. Sprinkle 1 tsp granulated sugar evenly over each chilled mini. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize until golden and bubbly, moving in circles for even coverage. Let set 2-3 minutes for a hard shell. Serve chilled. For a party twist, pair with iced teas from the blog. Store extras as noted later.