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Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée, creating a decadent dessert with a crisp, sweet crust and a smooth, luscious filling. Perfectly portioned into bars, they offer an elegant treat that’s easy to make and impressively delicious, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a caramelized sugar topping garnished with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and mint for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (from about 9 sheets)
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 6 Tbsp butter, melted (preferably salted)

Filling

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • Whipped cream (for garnish)
  • Fresh raspberries (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  2. Bake the crust: Press the graham cracker mixture into an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Make the filling base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the all-purpose flour. Add the softened cream cheese and, using an electric hand mixer set on low speed, blend the ingredients until smooth, about 1 minute.
  4. Add eggs and dairy: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition. Then add the heavy cream, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending just until combined. Tap the bowl forcefully against the countertop about 30 times to release any air bubbles.
  5. Prepare to bake the cheesecake: Butter the sides of the baking dish. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust. Set the 8 by 8-inch baking dish inside a larger 13 by 9-inch baking dish or roasting pan. Pour about 3 cups of hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly and gently.
  6. Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the preheated 325°F oven until the cheesecake is fairly jiggly in the center, about 42 to 45 minutes. Then turn the oven off and let the cheesecake rest in the warm oven, with the door closed, for an additional 10 minutes or until the center only slightly jiggles.
  7. Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and allow it to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for 1 hour. After it has cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
  8. Caramelize the topping: Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into squares. Sprinkle each square evenly with granulated sugar (6 tablespoons total evenly distributed). Using a culinary torch, melt the sugar by heating until it bubbles and caramelizes to a smooth, crisp surface, replicating the classic crème brûlée topping.
  9. Garnish and serve: Allow the caramelized sugar topping to cool and harden. Pipe or spoon a small dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar, then add a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf for garnish if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Using a water bath during baking helps prevent cracking and ensures an even, creamy texture.
  • For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and dairy products to achieve a rich, smooth filling.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
  • If you don’t have a culinary torch, you can try placing the sugared bars under a broiler briefly, but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Allow the caramelized sugar topping to fully cool before adding whipped cream to maintain texture contrast.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/creme-brulee-cheesecake-bars-recipe/