Irresistible Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet dreams come true when classic creme brulee meets creamy cheesecake in these irresistible bars.

Silky textures blend perfectly with a caramelized sugar crunch that melts in your mouth.

Decadent desserts often feel intimidating, but this recipe breaks down complex techniques into simple steps.

Elegant yet approachable, these bars bring restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

Rich custard layers create a sophisticated twist on traditional cheesecake favorites.

Crisp caramelized tops provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, velvety filling beneath.

Follow along, and you’ll master a dessert that will wow everyone at the table.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Overview

• Craft Indulgent Dessert: Combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic crème brûlée's caramelized sugar topping for a show-stopping treat that elevates home baking.
• Master Impressive Technique: Learn the art of creating a perfectly smooth cheesecake base and achieving that signature crackling caramel top, impressing guests with professional-level pastry skills.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: These bars work brilliantly for intimate gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, offering a sophisticated dessert that's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
• Simple Gourmet Experience: Break down complex restaurant-style dessert into manageable steps, making an elegant treat accessible to home bakers of various skill levels.

Ingredients in Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, cohesive crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the smooth and luxurious texture of the cheesecake filling.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Offers a deep, complex vanilla flavor to the cheesecake.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Used for creating the classic caramelized brûlée topping with a crisp, glassy texture.

Preparation Guide for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8-inch square metal baking dish and line it with aluminum foil, making sure the foil hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

Grab your food processor and pulse graham crackers until they become fine crumbs. Add melted butter and continue pulsing until the mixture looks like wet sand.

Step 3: Bake Crust

Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Slide it into the hot oven and bake until the crust turns light golden, about 8-10 minutes.

Once done, let it cool down and drop the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Create Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese using an electric mixer until silky smooth.

Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes completely uniform.

Step 5: Blend Filling Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Eggs
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla bean paste
• Sea salt

Mix thoroughly after each addition, making sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides.

Step 6: Bake Cheesecake

Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center.

Avoid overbaking to maintain a perfect texture.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Step 8: Prepare for Brûlée

Remove the cheesecake from the pan using the foil overhang.

Slice into neat squares.

Step 9: Caramelize Sugar Top

Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly across the cheesecake squares.

Use a kitchen torch to create a golden-brown caramelized top. If you don’t have a torch, carefully use the broiler, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the caramelized sugar to harden completely. Serve chilled and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Ensure graham crackers are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when cutting the bars.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a silky, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cheesecake's doneness – it should be set but slightly jiggly in the center to maintain a creamy texture.
• Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before brûléeing to help the bars hold their shape and create a crisp caramel topping.
• When caramelizing sugar, move the torch constantly to prevent burning and achieve an even, golden-brown crust that cracks beautifully when tapped.

Variations on Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Crust Variation: Replace graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same butter ratio for a celiac-friendly base.
• Low-Sugar Cheesecake Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving creamy texture.
• Vegan Cheesecake Adaptation: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, and flax eggs as replacements for traditional dairy and egg ingredients, creating a plant-based version.
• Seasonal Flavor Remix: Incorporate seasonal fruit purees like passion fruit or raspberry into the cream cheese mixture for a vibrant, fruity cheesecake experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Complement the dessert's rich, creamy texture with a chilled Moscato wine, highlighting delicate vanilla and caramel notes while balancing the sweet sugar crust.
• Serve a freshly pulled espresso shot alongside the bars, cutting through the richness and providing a bold coffee contrast that elevates the dessert's complex flavors.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a tart, bright element that refreshes the palate and provides a colorful, light counterpoint to the dense cheesecake.

Storage Tips for Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate caramelized sugar topping.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy texture and crisp caramel layer.
• Caramel Refresh: If the caramel layer loses its crispness, quickly torch the sugar surface again just before serving to restore the classic brûlée crackle.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of using vanilla bean paste in this recipe?

Vanilla bean paste adds a rich, intense vanilla flavor with visible vanilla bean specks, enhancing the overall taste and visual appeal of the cheesecake bars.

• Can I use a different type of sugar for the brûlée topping?

Granulated sugar works best for creating the classic caramelized crust. Other sugars like brown sugar may not provide the same crisp, glassy texture when caramelized.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. This ensures a creamy, smooth texture without overbaking, which can cause cracking or dryness.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Smooth creme brulee cheesecake bars blend French dessert elegance with classic American cheesecake charm. Rich custard layers and caramelized sugar top create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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• 200 grams (7 oz) granulated sugar
• 454 grams (16 oz) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
• 59 ml (2 fl oz) heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 135 grams (4.8 oz) whole graham crackers
• 72 grams (2.5 oz) unsalted butter (melted)
• 50 grams (1.8 oz) granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square metal pan by lining it with aluminum foil, creating an overhang for easy removal.
2. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Mix with melted butter until uniformly moistened.
3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely and reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
4. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth and free of lumps.
5. Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, mixing until fully blended and creamy.
6. Slowly add heavy cream, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping bowl sides to ensure even incorporation.
7. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 35 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight until firm.
9. Remove cheesecake from pan using foil overhang. Slice into square portions.
10. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over each bar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until it turns deep amber, or carefully broil.
11. Allow caramelized sugar to harden for a few minutes. Serve chilled and store any remaining bars in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Use graham crackers that are fresh and crisp for the best texture, ensuring they pulse evenly in the food processor without becoming too dense.
• Watch the cheesecake closely during baking, as even a few minutes of extra heat can cause cracking or drying out of the delicate filling.
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, use the broiler carefully, keeping the pan about 4 inches from the heat source and rotating frequently to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 341 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 174 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg