Tangy-Sweet Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Creamy cheesecake bars with a classic creme brulee twist spark pure culinary magic in kitchens everywhere.

Sweet caramelized sugar creates a delicate crackle across smooth cream cheese layers.

Classic French dessert techniques merge beautifully with American bakery traditions.

Silky textures invite indulgence with every single bite.

Rich vanilla undertones complement the crunchy caramel top perfectly.

Each bar promises decadent satisfaction that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience at home.

Pairing Ideas For Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the rich, creamy cheesecake with a luscious Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling, whose honeyed notes and subtle sweetness perfectly balance the caramelized sugar topping.
• Enhance with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a small garnish of fresh raspberries or strawberries, which cut through the dessert's richness and provide a bright, tangy contrast to the caramelized sugar and creamy cheesecake.
• Match with Espresso: Brew a shot of robust espresso or a small cappuccino to serve alongside the bars, as the coffee's intense flavor and slight bitterness beautifully offset the dessert's sweet, decadent profile.

Storage Advice For Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, ensuring the bars remain fresh and creamy.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the delicate texture and flavor.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight. Let them slowly defrost to maintain their smooth consistency and prevent moisture buildup.
• Gently warm individual bars at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent the caramelized sugar topping from becoming soggy.

FAQs For Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe

• Can I make this recipe without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use the broiler in your oven. Place the pan about 4 inches from the heat source and watch carefully to prevent burning. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and turns golden brown.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest and richest texture. Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular brand that works great in this recipe.

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

The edges will be lightly golden, and the center will look set but slightly jiggly. It should not be liquid-like when you gently shake the pan. The filling will continue to set as it cools.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Elegant Indulgence

• Crush Crave-Worthy Dessert: Combine classic creme brulee with creamy cheesecake for a show-stopping treat that blends two beloved desserts into one irresistible bar.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Learn a simple technique to create a professional-looking dessert with basic kitchen tools, perfect for home bakers wanting to impress friends and family.
• Customize Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt the recipe for different occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties, making it a versatile dessert that suits any celebration.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to have a delicious dessert ready whenever unexpected guests arrive or you need a sweet treat.

Ingredients For Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Excellence

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps the crust ingredients stick and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the bars a smooth, rich, and creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a silky, stable cheesecake texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the rich and creamy consistency of the cheesecake.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a crisp, golden-brown caramel layer that adds a delightful crunch to the cheesecake bars.

How To Make Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars With Ease

Step 1: Building the Crispy Crust

Crank up your oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients until they form a sandy texture. Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch pan, creating an even layer. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once done, pull it out and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually fold in sugar and vanilla, continuing to mix until everything blends beautifully. Add eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition. Pour in sour cream and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture looks dreamy and lump-free. Carefully spread this luscious filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks set and edges turn a light golden color. After baking, turn off the oven but leave the door slightly open. Let the cheesecake rest for an hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Creating the Signature Caramelized Top

Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, sprinkle a generous layer of sugar across the surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a stunning golden-brown crust. No torch? No problem! Slide the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serving Up Deliciousness

Slice the cheesecake into beautiful squares. Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

Pro Tips For Silky Smooth Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Torch Technique: Use a kitchen torch at an angle, moving slowly to create an even golden-brown caramelized sugar layer without burning.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours to ensure a firm, creamy texture that slices cleanly and holds its shape.
• Prevent Cracking: Bake cheesecake in a water bath or with a pan of water on the lower oven rack to create humidity and prevent surface cracks.
• Smooth Mixing Method: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air and preventing potential cracking.
• Storage Secret: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the caramelized sugar topping crisp and fresh.

Variations To Personalize Your Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Chocolate Graham Cracker Base: Replace traditional graham crackers with chocolate graham crackers for a rich, deeper flavor profile that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Vegan Coconut Cream Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, and flax eggs to create a plant-based version of these decadent bars.
• Gluten-Free Almond Crust Option: Use almond flour and crushed gluten-free cookies as a base for individuals with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious texture and taste.
• Seasonal Berry Infusion: Mix fresh raspberries or blueberries into the cheesecake filling for a fruity burst that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the classic dessert.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to overnight
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky creme brulee cheesecake bars blend French elegance with classic American dessert charm. Creamy layers and caramelized sugar create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Creme Brulee Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until thoroughly combined, then press uniformly into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a light golden color.
2. Whip softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, maintaining a low mixing speed to prevent overbeating.
3. Integrate sour cream and heavy cream into the mixture, stirring until achieving a luxurious, uniform consistency. Pour the silky filling over the cooled crust, carefully spreading to create an even surface.
4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the center stabilizes and edges turn a delicate golden hue. Switch off the oven, leaving the door slightly open, and allow the cheesecake to rest for one hour.
5. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator, chilling for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting and optimal texture.
6. When thoroughly chilled, generously sprinkle granulated sugar across the surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize, creating a crisp, amber-toned crust. Alternatively, carefully broil for 1-2 minutes, watching intently to prevent burning.
7. Slice into elegant squares and serve directly from the refrigerator, maintaining the dessert’s cool, creamy profile.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling without over-mixing.
• Use a water bath technique by placing the baking pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to prevent cracking and create a silky texture.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cheesecake’s doneness with a gentle shake – the center should have a slight wobble but not be liquid.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 177
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg