Description
This Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring a toasted graham cracker crust with browned butter and a smooth, creamy vanilla bean filling. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping cheesecake. Make it ahead for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brown Butter Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden and smells nutty. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt. Add brown butter and stir to combine. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, flour, and vanilla bean seeds. Mix until smooth. Add eggs one at a time on low speed. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Bake: Wrap the pan in foil and place in a water bath. Pour filling over crust. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55–65 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Turn off oven and crack door. Let cool inside for 1 hour. Then cool completely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Unmold and decorate with whipped cream, berries, or powdered sugar as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest filling.
- Do not overmix the batter—mix just until incorporated.
- Always use a water bath to prevent cracks.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Top with fruit or a drizzle of brown butter glaze for extra elegance.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake, Brown Butter Cheesecake, Vanilla Cheesecake, Baked Cheesecake, Cheesecake with Graham Crust