🍰✨ Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake – Lush, Nutty & Incredibly Smooth!
This cheesecake blends the deep, nutty flavor of brown butter with fragrant vanilla bean in a luxuriously creamy filling, all on a crisp graham cracker crust. It’s sophisticated, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
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2 tablespoons sugar
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Pinch of salt
For the brown butter:
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¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter — browned and cooled slightly
For the cheesecake filling:
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3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla bean paste)
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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½ cup sour cream
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¼ cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour (for structure)
Instructions
1. Make the brown butter:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the crust:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and 6 tablespoons of the browned butter.
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Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while you make the filling.
3. Make the cheesecake filling:
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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
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Add sugar and beat until combined.
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Mix in the vanilla bean seeds, sour cream, heavy cream, and remaining brown butter.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
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Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix gently.
4. Bake:
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Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap to release air bubbles.
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Place pan in a water bath (wrap the bottom in foil) and bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly.
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Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
5. Chill:
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Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Serve:
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Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of brown butter caramel if desired.
Notes
✔️ No vanilla bean? Use 2 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp almond extract for depth.
✔️ Add a touch of bourbon to the batter for a southern twist.
✔️ For extra drama, torch the top or serve with brûléed sugar!