Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Imagine the creamy richness of cheesecake combined with the caramelized sugar topping of a classic crème brûlée, all in a convenient bar form. This dessert not only offers a unique twist on traditional cheesecake but also pays homage to the French culinary art of crème brûlée, which dates back to the 17th century.
People adore Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars for their luscious texture and the satisfying crunch of the caramelized topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cheesecake base. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a dinner party, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With their elegant presentation and irresistible flavor, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Fresh berries or mint leaves for garnish
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it tightly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Baking the Cheesecake Bars
- Bake the cheesecake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preparing the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Place the cheesecake on a cutting board and slice it into bars of your desired size.
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake bar, ensuring complete coverage.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Be cautious not to burn it.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the bars under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Assembling and Serving
- Once the sugar has caramelized and cooled slightly, the topping will harden into a crispy layer.
- For an elegant presentation, you can garnish each bar with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
- Serve the crème brûlée cheesecake bars immediately
Conclusion:
In summary, these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, making them a must-try for any sweet tooth. The creamy cheesecake base, combined with the rich flavors of vanilla and a perfectly caramelized sugar topping, creates a luxurious treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve them at a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or simply as a special dessert for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these bars with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. You can also experiment with variations by incorporating different flavor extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, or even adding a layer of fruit preserves beneath the cheesecake layer for an extra burst of flavor. We encourage you to try this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars recipe and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, we would love to hear how they turn out. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on social media, tagging us so we can see your delicious creations. Happy baking! Print
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars: Indulge in a Decadent Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 265 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cheesecake filling, and a perfectly caramelized sugar topping. This decadent dessert is a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Fresh berries or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it tightly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cheesecake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Place the cheesecake on a cutting board and slice it into bars of your desired size.
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cheesecake bar, ensuring complete coverage.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Be cautious not to burn it.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the bars under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Once the sugar has caramelized and cooled slightly, the topping will harden into a crispy layer.
- For an elegant presentation, you can garnish each bar with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
- Serve the crème brûlée cheesecake bars immediately.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- If using a broiler, keep a close eye on the bars to prevent burning the sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
