Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars combine the luxurious flavors of creamy cheesecake with the classic caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée. These bars are perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a decadent dessert. With a buttery crust, rich cheesecake filling, and a crunchy caramelized topping, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and just slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Add the Crème Brûlée Topping:
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it is melted and golden brown. Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden before cutting into bars.
6. Serve:
Carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Torching: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under the broiler. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Chilling: Make sure the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled before adding the sugar topping to ensure it sets properly.
Variations
- Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers for a different flavor.
- Fruit Topping: Add a layer of fresh berries or a berry compote before adding the sugar topping.
- Flavored Cheesecake: Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Amaretto, for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and sophisticated dessert that combines the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and the classic caramelized topping of crème brûlée. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat, these bars are sure to impress with their rich flavor and elegant presentation. Enjoy each bite of this decadent dessert and savor the delightful combination of textures and flavors!