Dreamy Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Magic Awaits

Rich and decadent creme brulee cheesecake bars blend two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat.

Silky cream cheese mingles with delicate custard notes, creating a luxurious flavor profile.

Crisp caramelized sugar tops these elegant bars, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Delicate yet indulgent, this dessert promises to impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make these bars accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

Smooth, creamy, and utterly irresistible, you’ll want to savor each heavenly morsel.

Grab a fork and prepare for a truly memorable dessert experience.

Why Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Are a Treat

• Capture Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This recipe combines two beloved desserts – cheesecake and creme brulee – creating an irresistible treat that will wow family and friends at gatherings.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, even novice bakers can successfully create a professional-looking dessert that seems complex but is actually quite manageable.
• Prepare Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and chilled, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining and ideal for dinner parties or special occasions without last-minute kitchen chaos.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adding flavor variations like lemon zest, chocolate chips, or different extracts to suit individual taste preferences and experiment creatively.

Ingredients for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base that provides a crunchy and sweet foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds richness to the base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic notes.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling and contribute to the rich, custard-like texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized layer that gives the classic creme brulee characteristic to the cheesecake bars.

How to Make Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8×8 inch baking dish, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundation for your delectable dessert.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Filling

Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it becomes silky smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, continuing to mix until the texture becomes light and fluffy.

Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, blending until fully combined.

Step 3: Integrate the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, carefully mixing after each addition to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency.

Pour the luxurious filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).

Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates the ideal texture. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing them to firm up and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Create the Caramelized Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous layer of granulated sugar across the surface.

Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crisp, glassy top that cracks beautifully when tapped.

Tips for Perfect Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a stable, compact base that won't fall apart when cutting.
• Add eggs one at a time and mix gently to prevent overmixing, which can cause the cheesecake to crack or become dense.
• Watch for a slight jiggle in the center when baking, indicating the cheesecake is cooked but still creamy and not overdone.
• Use a kitchen torch for more precise sugar browning, moving constantly to create an even golden-brown surface without burning.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set completely and develop a rich, smooth consistency.

Variations on Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese and use coconut milk instead of sour cream for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Seasonal Berry Boost: Top the cheesecake bars with fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for added natural sweetness and color.

Pairings for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

Sweet Wine Pairing

• Match the rich, creamy cheesecake with a Sauternes dessert wine from France, highlighting its honeyed notes and complementing the caramelized sugar topping.

Espresso Companion

• Serve a bold, dark espresso alongside the bars to cut through the richness and provide a robust flavor counterpoint that refreshes the palate.

Crisp Champagne

• Select a dry champagne with light bubbles to cleanse the palate and create a delightful textural contrast against the smooth, creamy cheesecake bars.

Cream Liqueur

• Pour a hazelnut or almond cream liqueur that echoes the graham cracker crust and adds another layer of indulgent complexity to the dessert experience.

How to Store Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then quickly caramelize sugar topping with kitchen torch for crispy texture.
• Place bars on a baking sheet, sprinkle fresh sugar layer, and broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center that’s not completely set. The edges should be firm, and the top should look slightly matte rather than wet. Overbaking can cause cracking, so remove from the oven when it’s just set.

• Can I make these bars without a kitchen torch?

Absolutely! Use your oven’s broiler setting instead. Place the bars close to the top heating element and watch carefully, rotating to ensure even caramelization. This typically takes 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

• Why is my cheesecake filling lumpy?

Always ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature before mixing. Beat it alone first until smooth, then gradually add other ingredients. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and scrape down the sides to prevent lumps.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy creme brulee cheesecake bars meld French elegance with classic American dessert charm. Rich custard layers and caramelized sugar create a luxurious experience that delights palates with smooth sophistication and irresistible sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan to create an even crust.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
5. Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform consistency.
6. Incorporate eggs one at a time, carefully mixing after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, looking for a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
10. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to set and develop flavor.
11. Just before serving, evenly sprinkle granulated sugar across the top of the chilled cheesecake.
12. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or broiler until it turns a rich golden brown color.
13. Let the caramelized sugar cool and harden for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cream cheese mixture and even baking.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and cracking during baking.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of bars.
• Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to set properly and develop a rich, creamy texture.
• When caramelizing sugar topping, move the torch or broiler constantly to prevent burning and achieve an even golden crust.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
• Create flavor variations by adding lemon zest, espresso powder, or swirling in fruit preserves before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg