Brown butter and sugar cheesecake

🧾 Ingredients

🔸 For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

🔸 For the Brown Butter Cheesecake Filling:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 24 oz (675g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for extra warmth

🔸 For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt
• Splash of vanilla

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Brown Butter:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it foams, turns golden brown, and smells nutty.
3. Remove from heat immediately and cool for 10–15 minutes.
4. Use ⅓ cup of the browned butter for the crust and the rest for the filling.

2. Make the Crust:

1. Combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Add ⅓ cup of the cooled brown butter and mix until sandy.
3. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Cool while making the filling.

3. Make the Filling:

1. Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sour cream, vanilla, salt, and the remaining brown butter.
3. Mix in eggs one at a time, on low speed, until just incorporated.
4. Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.

4. Bake:

• Place pan on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 30–45 minutes.
• Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Optional Brown Sugar Cream Topping:

1. In a saucepan, heat cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt.
2. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool.
4. Pour over chilled cheesecake before serving.

🍴 Serving Suggestions:

• Top with toasted pecans, flaky salt, or a dollop of whipped cream
• Pair with strong coffee or black tea
• For holidays, add a gingersnap crust instead of graham