Decadent Crème Brûlée Cupcakes (Printer-Friendly)

Rich custard-filled cupcakes crowned with a crackling caramelized sugar topping.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Pastry Cream

01 - 3.5 tbsp Coarse sugar for caramelized topping

→ Cupcake Batter

02 - 6 tbsp Unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 Large eggs
06 - 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
07 - 1 tsp Cornstarch
08 - 1 1/4 tsp Baking powder
09 - 1/4 tsp Salt
10 - 6 1/2 tbsp Whole milk
11 - 1 tbsp Sunflower oil

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Gradually stir in cream and milk, then add egg yolks one at a time. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
03 - Sift flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs gradually, then alternate folding in flour mixture and milk until just combined.
04 - Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter. Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
05 - Core centers of cooled cupcakes. Fill cavities with chilled pastry cream and spoon a little cream on top.
06 - Dip cupcake tops in coarse sugar. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize sugar until deep amber and bubbly.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Serve with fresh berries for added color and flavor. Use fresh ingredients for best results.