Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

If you love the creamy richness of cheesecake and the delicate, caramelized crunch of a crème brûlée, you’re in for a real treat. These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars combine the best of both desserts into a single, indulgent bite-sized square. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling and the crackling sugar topping, each bite is pure decadence. Best of all, they’re easier to make than you might think—no custard worries or water baths needed!

Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these bars will impress both visually and in taste. The delicate vanilla notes of the cheesecake and the crisp bruleed sugar create a flavor and texture combination that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Why You’ll Love These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

• Decadently creamy texture: The cheesecake filling is smooth, rich, and velvety, giving you the ultimate indulgence in every bite.
• Perfectly crunchy topping: The brûlée sugar adds a satisfying crackle that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Elegant but easy: Achieve a fancy, gourmet dessert without complicated techniques or a professional kitchen.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill the bars in advance and torch just before serving to save time while keeping them fresh and crunchy.
• Customizable: Vanilla bean paste can be swapped for vanilla extract, and the sugar topping can be lightly flavored for added flair.

Ingredients Breakdown

These cheesecake bars are organized into three main components: the crust, the filling, and the brûlée topping. Exact measurements are included, so you can bake with confidence.

For the Crust:

• 9 whole (135 grams) graham crackers
• 5 tablespoons (72 grams) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, completely softened at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 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

For the Brûlée Topping:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Yield: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this recipe flawlessly, gather the following tools:

• 8-inch square metal baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Food processor (for graham cracker crumbs)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls (large)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Kitchen torch (or oven broiler)
• Serrated knife (for clean slicing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square metal baking dish with foil, leaving a generous overhang for easy removal.
2. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs.
3. Add the melted butter to the crumbs and pulse until evenly combined and moistened.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly browned and set. Let cool completely, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add the heavy cream, then the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating gently after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla bean paste and salt until smooth. Take care not to overmix to avoid incorporating air that can cause cracks.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Do not overbake.
2. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack to cool completely.
3. Cover and chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

4. Brûlée the Topping

1. Using the foil overhang, carefully lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan and place it on a heat-safe work surface.
2. Cut into 9 even squares.
3. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the tops of each square.
4. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until a deep amber color forms. Alternatively, you can broil the bars in the oven, watching carefully to avoid burning.
5. Chill briefly if needed and serve immediately for the best crackling effect.

Tips & Variations

• Vanilla Alternatives: If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, substitute 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
• Sugar Topping Options: Add a pinch of cinnamon or citrus zest to the sugar before torching for a unique twist.
• Flavor Variations: Swirl in some raspberry puree or chocolate ganache before baking for a flavored cheesecake bar.
• Dietary Adjustments: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for a vegan version. The crust can be made gluten-free with appropriate graham cracker substitutes.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These bars are the perfect marriage of textures:

• Texture: Smooth, creamy cheesecake contrasted with a crisp, caramelized sugar top and a slightly crunchy graham cracker crust.
• Taste: Sweet but balanced, with rich vanilla notes and a subtle saltiness from the crust.

While drink pairings aren’t included, these bars pair beautifully with fresh berries or a simple fruit compote, which enhances their elegance and freshness.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per Bar)

Component	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	7 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; gluten-free option achievable with suitable crust; contains dairy and eggs.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake and chill the bars a day ahead.
• Store untopped bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Caramelize sugar topping just before serving to maintain the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and chill them in advance, then brûlée the sugar topping just before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Freeze the unbrûléed bars in an airtight container. Brûlée the sugar after thawing.

Q3: How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Beat ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Bake at a low temperature to ensure even cooking.

Q4: Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! Oreo crusts, digestive biscuits, or almond meal can be delicious alternatives.

Q5: What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
Use your oven broiler, but watch carefully—sugar can burn quickly.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Crust prep & baking	10 minutes
Cheesecake prep	10 minutes
Cheesecake baking	35 minutes
Chilling	4 hours
Brûlée topping	5 minutes
Total Time	5 hours

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a decorative dessert plate with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.
• For a fun twist, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the brûlée topping to highlight the sweetness.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Hazelnut Crème Brûlée Bars: Add a swirl of Nutella to the cheesecake filling.
2. Berry Swirl Bars: Mix raspberry or blueberry puree into the filling before baking.
3. Salted Caramel Bars: Drizzle homemade caramel over the cooled cheesecake before brûléeing the sugar.
4. Coffee Infused Bars: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the filling for a subtle mocha flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: For the smoothest filling, bring to room temperature before mixing. High-fat cream cheese yields a creamier texture.
Graham Crackers: Use fresh, crisp graham crackers for the crust; older crackers may create a less cohesive base.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Beat cream cheese until smooth before adding sugar to avoid lumps.
• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother, more homogeneous filling.
• Press the crust firmly into the pan to avoid a crumbly base.
• Torch sugar slowly and evenly for perfect caramelization.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbrûléed bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before topping.
• Brûlée Topping: Always torch sugar immediately before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	7 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fats	28 g
Fiber	1 g

Expanded Conclusion

These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert hybrid: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and luxurious. They make a spectacular centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat for yourself. With their simple preparation, elegant presentation, and indulgent flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for these bars time and again. Try them, savor every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations—your friends and family will thank you!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a dessert enthusiast looking for a new challenge, these bars are guaranteed to delight. Happy baking!

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