Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

If you love the creamy texture of cheesecake and the caramelized top of a classic crème brûlée, you’re in for a treat with this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars recipe. This indulgent dessert combines the best of both worlds, creating a rich, velvety cheesecake with a crispy, sugary topping. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or when you’re simply craving a luxurious sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress!

What Makes Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Special?

Crème brûlée is a French classic that features a creamy custard topped with a hard, caramelized sugar layer. Cheesecake, on the other hand, brings a rich and tangy flavor with a creamy texture. By combining these two beloved desserts into a bar format, you get the best of both worlds: a cheesecake base topped with a crunchy brûléed sugar layer, all in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

• 2 tbsp sugar (for caramelizing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and flour until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

1. Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
3. After the cheesecake has cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.

Step 4: Add the Crème Brûlée Topping

1. Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top.
2. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden-brown caramelized topping. (If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the bars in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.)
3. Allow the caramelized topping to cool and harden before slicing the cheesecake into bars.

Serving and Storing

These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars can be served immediately after the sugar hardens, or you can refrigerate them again for a firmer texture. They make a great dessert for gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to serve something both impressive and delicious.

To store, keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The caramelized sugar topping may lose its crispness over time, but the creamy cheesecake will remain irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Indulgent: The creamy cheesecake filling paired with the crunchy brûlée topping creates a delightful contrast in textures.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and ingredients you likely already have, this dessert is simple to whip up.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These bars are an elegant addition to any party or gathering, bringing a touch of sophistication with their luxurious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fusion dessert, combining two classic treats into one show-stopping dish. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake center, and a crispy caramelized sugar topping, they’re a sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecake, crème brûlée, or both, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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Serving and Storage Tips for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation: Once the crème brûlée topping has cooled and hardened, slice the cheesecake into bars using a sharp knife. For a polished look, wipe the knife between cuts to maintain clean edges.
2. Toppings: Serve your bars as-is for a simple, elegant presentation, or add a few garnishes such as fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
3. Chill Before Serving: While the bars are delicious straight from the fridge, allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving can enhance the creamy texture of the cheesecake. The brûlée topping will remain crispy even after chilling, making for the perfect bite!
4. Pairing: These bars are rich and indulgent, so consider pairing them with a light beverage like a cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine (such as Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling) to balance the sweetness.

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Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Since the cheesecake needs to be kept chilled to maintain its creamy texture, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Preserving the Topping: While the caramelized sugar topping will remain crisp right after being brûléed, it may soften a bit over time. To maintain the best texture, store the cheesecake bars with the caramelized sugar intact, and consume them within a few days for optimal flavor and crunch.
3. Freezing: If you’d like to make these bars ahead of time or store leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. However, the brûlée topping may lose its crispness, so it’s best to add fresh caramelized sugar on top after thawing for that signature crackle.
4. Avoid Storing Topping Separately: If you plan on freezing the bars, it’s best to not caramelize the sugar topping until you’re ready to serve. This will help preserve the crunch and avoid any texture changes from freezing.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars at their best, whether freshly made or saved for later

1. Can I make these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, they benefit from chilling in the refrigerator to fully set and develop flavor. Just be sure to add the caramelized sugar topping right before serving to keep it crisp.

2. Can I use a different crust for these cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crust is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other options like digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even a gluten-free crust. Just ensure the crust is firm and holds up well to the creamy cheesecake layer.

3. How do I make the sugar topping crispy if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the bars in the oven instead. Simply sprinkle the sugar on top and place the cheesecake bars under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Keep the oven door cracked and rotate the pan if needed to achieve an even caramelization.

4. Can I freeze Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! To do so, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, but be aware that the brûlée topping may soften, so it’s best to add fresh sugar and caramelize it just before serving.

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