If you’re a fan of the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake and the delightful crackle of a brûléed topping, then these Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for you! Combining the classic flavors of crème brûlée with the convenience of cheesecake bars, this recipe brings a touch of elegance to any gathering without all the fuss of making individual desserts. They’re rich, creamy, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust that adds a satisfying crunch.

What makes these cheesecake bars so special is their velvety filling infused with the flavors of vanilla and a hint of caramel, reminiscent of traditional crème brûlée. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth filling, creating a delightful balance of textures. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these indulgent treats in no time!

Serve them chilled and watch as your friends and family delight in the perfect combination of flavors and textures. They’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast, making them a show-stopping dessert for any occasion!

These Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars combine the rich and creamy flavor of cheesecake with the beloved caramelized topping of crème brûlée. Ready in under an hour, they are a perfect make-ahead dessert that will impress your guests. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, velvety filling creates a heavenly dessert that’s simple to prepare.

The best part? You can customize the sugar topping to suit your preference—whether you like a light caramelization or a darker, more robust flavor. These bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

Exciting Story:

I still remember the first time I tried crème brûlée at a fancy restaurant. The rich custard, the delicate vanilla flavor, and that satisfying crack of the sugar top captured my heart. I knew I had to recreate that experience at home, but with a twist! One evening, I decided to blend my love for cheesecake with the flavors of crème brûlée, and thus, these Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars were born.

As I pulled the bars from the oven and sprinkled sugar on top for caramelization, my family gathered around, intrigued by the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen. With a torch in hand, I carefully caramelized the sugar, and everyone watched in anticipation. The first bite was heavenly! The smooth cheesecake filling paired perfectly with the crispy top, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now, these bars are a staple at our gatherings, where they never fail to impress!

Why This Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars?

• Decadent and Delicious: The combination of cheesecake and crème brûlée flavors is truly indulgent.
• Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create an elegant dessert without the fuss.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for preparing in advance and serving at parties or special occasions.

How to Make Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed. The cheesecake may still have a slight jiggle in the center, but it will firm up as it cools.
6. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
7. Caramelize the Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the cheesecake bars. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes to harden.
8. Slice and Serve: Once the sugar has hardened, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips For Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbaking, which can lead to cracks.

Substitutions and Variations

• Flavor Variations: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or orange zest to the filling for a citrusy twist.
• Different Crust: Use crushed cookies (like Oreos or vanilla wafers) for a different flavor profile.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version of this dessert.
• Substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative suitable for baking.

Closing For Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

And there you have it! These Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a perfect indulgence that combines the best of both worlds—cheesecake and crème brûlée. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful desserts!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

How long can I store these cheesecake bars?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze crème brûlée cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze them before caramelizing the sugar. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
You can broil the sugar on the top in the oven for a few minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Cream cheese is recommended for this recipe, but mascarpone can be used for a creamier texture.

Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
Yes, use non-dairy cream cheese and a non-dairy sour cream substitute to make it dairy-free.

What if I can’t find vanilla bean paste?
You can use additional vanilla extract in place of vanilla bean paste for flavor.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The edges should be set while the center still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I add chocolate to the filling?
Yes, you can fold in melted chocolate for a chocolate variation of these bars.

How can I tell if the sugar has caramelized properly?
The sugar should turn a golden brown color and be bubbling. Let it cool before it hardens.

What’s the best way to serve these bars?
They’re delicious chilled and can be topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

What can I serve these cheesecake bars with?
They pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light drizzle of caramel sauce.

Easy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Cake, Dessert, Occasions, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional for added flavor)

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
• Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and sour cream until fully combined.
• Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed. The cheesecake may still have a slight jiggle in the center, but it will firm up as it cools.
• Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
• Caramelize the Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the cheesecake bars. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes to harden.
• Slice and Serve: Once the sugar has hardened, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!