🍰✨ 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.

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📝 Ingredients:

(Makes one 9-inch cheesecake)

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the brown butter:

• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter — browned and cooled slightly

For the cheesecake filling:

• 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla bean paste)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour (for structure)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the brown butter:

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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2. Prepare the crust:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and 6 tablespoons of the browned butter.
• Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while you make the filling.

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3. Make the cheesecake filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
• Add sugar and beat until combined.
• Mix in the vanilla bean seeds, sour cream, heavy cream, and remaining brown butter.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
• Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix gently.

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4. Bake:

• Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap to release air bubbles.
• 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.
• Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

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5. Chill:

• Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

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6. Serve:

• Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of brown butter caramel if desired.

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💡 Tips & Variations:

✔️ 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!

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Would you like a brown butter caramel sauce recipe to drizzle over the top? 🍯✨

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🍰✨ Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake – Lush, Nutty & Incredibly Smooth!

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