Creating these Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes is more straightforward than you might think. Simply follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway.

5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add in the egg, flour, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until completely combined.

6. Add Cheesecake Filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each cupcake liner, filling them almost to the top.

7. Bake: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool Down: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare Creme Brulee Topping: Once the cupcakes are cool, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each cheesecake filling.

10. Caramelize: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

11. Garnish: For added flair, you can include a few additional vanilla bean seeds on top of the caramelized sugar.

Completing these steps will result in a set of cupcakes that are not only delicious but also stunningly beautiful, ready to mesmerize anyone who experiences them!