Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Dive into the delicious world of Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars! This easy-to-make dessert combines creamy cheesecake and crispy caramel, creating a treat that's sure to impress at any gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll gather friends and family around for a sweet experience. Click through to explore the full recipe and tips to create this delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup heavy cream

For the brûlée topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Mix until well combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ¾ cup sugar, mixing until well incorporated.

Add Eggs and Cream: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream, and blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

Chill: Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.

Brûlée the Topping: Once the cheesecake is set, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown, creating a crispy top. (If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can place the bars under a broiler for a couple of minutes—watch closely to avoid burning!)

Serve: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 12

Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesecake bars on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for added color and elegance. Enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy cheesecake and the crunchy brûlée topping!