Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a delicious combination of two beloved desserts: crème brûlée and cheesecake. These bars blend the creamy texture of cheesecake with the crunchy, caramelized top of a classic crème brûlée. They are perfect for parties, special occasions, or just a delightful treat after dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars because they are not only easy to prepare, but they also impress your friends and family with their rich flavor and beautiful presentation. The creamy filling and crispy top create a satisfying contrast that is hard to resist. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy them without much fuss on the day of your gathering.

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

9 whole graham crackers (135 grams)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (72 grams)
16 ounces cream cheese, completely softened at room temperature (454 grams)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams) for brulee topping

Directions:

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square metal baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang. Pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. Add the melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool and reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, then the heavy cream, eggs, yolk, vanilla bean paste, and salt, one at a time. Pour this mixture into the prepared crust and bake at 300°F (150°C) until slightly jiggly in the center, about 35 minutes.
Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate until firm for at least 4 hours.
Brûlée the Topping: Using the foil overhang, transfer the cheesecake to a cutting board and cut it into squares. Sprinkle sugar on top and torch the sugar until it turns a deep amber color. Alternatively, you can use a broiler to brown the sugar, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
Serve: Refrigerate the bars until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Serve these bars chilled. They are delicious on their own but pair nicely with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember to brulee the tops right before you plan to serve them for the best texture and flavor.

Tips to Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened. This will help avoid lumps in the filling.
Use a kitchen torch for the best crème brûlée effect. If you don’t have one, a broiler will work, but keep a close eye on it.
Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating. This helps them set properly.

Variation

You can customize your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars by adding flavors like lemon or chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a twist on the classic recipe. You can also try using different types of cookies for the crust instead of graham crackers.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy consistency.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and just brulee the topping right before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have a torch?
A: You can use your oven’s broiler as an alternative to caramelize the sugar. Just keep a careful watch to prevent burning.

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a dessert that will surely become a favorite. With their creamy, dreamy layers and the satisfying crack of caramelized sugar, they’re perfect for any occasion!