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Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

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These creme brulee cheesecake bars combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the crackly caramelized sugar topping of creme brulee. Cut into bars for easy serving, they’re elegant enough for a party and simple enough for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for brulee topping)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake crust for 8 minutes, then let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 3/4 cup sugar and mix until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Blend in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired. Beat until just combined—do not overmix.
  4. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over cooled crust. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until center is set but still slightly wobbly. Do not let bars brown.
  5. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. Once chilled, lift bars out using parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares (or 12 for larger portions), wiping knife between cuts for clean edges.
  7. Sprinkle 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over bars. Caramelize sugar with a kitchen torch until golden and crackly, moving flame in small circles. Alternatively, broil bars on a baking sheet for 1-3 minutes, watching closely. Let sugar cool and harden before serving.

Notes

For best results, use brick-style cream cheese and chill bars overnight. If you don’t have a torch, use your oven’s broiler, but watch closely. Freeze bars for 15 minutes before bruleeing for a crisp sugar top. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations work well. Slice bars before bruleeing for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: creme brulee cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, creme brulee dessert, easy cheesecake, party dessert, caramelized sugar, brulee topping, creamy cheesecake, homemade dessert, elegant dessert

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creme-brulee-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-upgrade/