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Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake

Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with the creamy elegance of vanilla bean cheesecake. This decadent dessert is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Brown Butter:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  3. Make the Brown Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in vanilla bean seeds.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream and flour. Gradually drizzle in the cooled brown butter, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
  6. Pour filling over prepared crust. Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  7. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar.
  8. Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
  9. Garnish with extra vanilla bean seeds or a drizzle of brown butter, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality European-style butter for the brown butter. Serve chilled and garnish with fresh berries for an elegant presentation.