Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic

If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecakes and crave the irresistible crunch of a caramelized topping, these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars will be your new favorite dessert. With the perfect balance of rich, velvety cheesecake and a buttery graham cracker crust, each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors. The final touch—a crackling sugar layer—gives these cheesecake bars that signature brûlée crunch, making them an ideal fusion of two beloved desserts.

These bars are perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a more elegant celebration. They’re easy to prepare yet boast a sophisticated flavor profile that will wow your guests. The delicate vanilla notes in the cheesecake filling pair beautifully with the crispy caramel topping, while optional garnishes like whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and mint add a touch of freshness and color.

While this dessert may seem indulgent, the individual bars make it easier to serve and enjoy without the fuss of slicing a whole cheesecake. Plus, they store well in the refrigerator, so you can make them ahead of time—ideal for busy hosts or simply treating yourself throughout the week. Get ready to impress with this delightful blend of French and American dessert classics.

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Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars 🍰

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (from about 9 sheets)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp butter, melted (preferably salted)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 6 Tbsp granulated sugar

Optional Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh mint

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture into an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and flour.
2. Add cream cheese and use an electric mixer on low speed to blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
4. Add heavy cream, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and blend until combined.
5. Tap the bowl firmly on the counter about 30 times to release any air bubbles.
6. Butter the sides of the baking dish and pour the filling over the crust.
7. Place the 8×8-inch dish into a larger baking pan. Pour about 3 cups of hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 42-45 minutes, until the cheesecake is jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest with the oven door closed for 10 minutes.
9. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Prepare the Topping:

1. Cut the chilled cheesecake into squares.
2. Sprinkle each square with an even layer of granulated sugar.
3. Use a culinary torch to melt the sugar until caramelized and golden-brown. Allow the topping to cool and harden.

Garnish (Optional):

• Add a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh raspberry, and a mint leaf for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage:

• Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars