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