Crème brûlée cheesecake bars are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. These decadent treats offer a rich, creamy filling with a luscious caramelized sugar topping, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious everyday indulgence, they are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
If you don't have heavy cream or sour cream in your pantry, make sure to add them to your shopping list. These ingredients are crucial for achieving the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake filling. You might also want to invest in a culinary torch for that perfect caramelized sugar topping, though it's not strictly necessary.
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
graham cracker crumbs: Crushed graham crackers used as the base for the crust.
sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the topping.
butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness.
cream cheese: The main ingredient for the cheesecake filling, offering a creamy texture.
eggs: Helps to set the filling and gives it structure.
heavy cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the filling.
sour cream: Contributes a slight tang and creaminess to the filling.
vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
whipped cream: Used as a garnish to add a light, airy texture on top.
One reader, Bartlet Heredia says:
These crème brûlée cheesecake bars are divine! The creamy cheesecake filling paired with the caramelized sugar topping is a match made in heaven. Easy to follow recipe and the result is a decadent treat that impresses every time. Perfect for special occasions or just because!
Mastering the Techniques for Perfect Cheesecake Bars
How to use a culinary torch: Explanation on how to safely and effectively use a culinary torch to melt sugar on top of the cheesecake bars. How to create a water bath: Explanation on how to set up a water bath by placing the 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish into a larger baking dish and pouring hot water around it. How to tap out air bubbles: Explanation on how to tap the mixing bowl against the countertop to release air bubbles from the cheesecake filling.
How To Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
In a slight deviation from the classic, these cheesecake bars have a caramelized sugar topping that lends a great contrast of textures to this creamy treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Crust:
- 1¼cupsgraham cracker crumbsfinely crushed, from about 9 sheets
- 2tbspsugargranulated
- 6tbspbuttermelted, preferably salted
For Cheesecake Filling:
- ¾cupsugargranulated
- 1½tbspall-purpose flour
- 2pkgs.cream cheesesoftened
- 3largeeggs
- 3tbspheavy cream
- 3tbspsour cream
- 1tspvanilla extract
For topping:
- 6tbspsugargranulated
- whipped creamfresh raspberries and fresh mint for garnish, optional
Instructions
For Crust:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Generously butter an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
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Pour in butter and use a fork to mix until evenly moistened.
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Press mixture into an even layer in prepared baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool while preparing filling. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
For Filling:
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup granulated sugar with the flour.
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Add cream cheese to mixing bowl and using an electric hand mixer set on low speed, blend together cream cheese and granulated sugar mixture for about 1 minute or just until smooth.
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Add in eggs one at a time and mix just until combined after each addition.
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Add heavy cream, sour cream and vanilla and blend just until combined.
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Tap bowl forcefully against countertop about 30 times to release air bubbles.
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Butter the side of the baking dish and pour filling over crust.
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Set the 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish into a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish. Pour about 3 cups of hot water into the 13 -inch by 9-inch baking dish.
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Bake in preheated oven for about 42 to 45 minutes or until cheesecake is fairly jiggly.
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Turn oven off and allow cheesecake to rest in the warm oven with the door closed for about 10 more minutes or until the center only slightly jiggles.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for 1 hour.
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Cover and chill for 4 hours.
For Topping:
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Cut bars into squares.
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Sprinkle each square with an even layer of sugar and melt sugar with a culinary torch.
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Allow topping to cool then pipe or spoon a small dollop of whipped cream over top. Add a raspberry and garnish with mint.
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Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Calories: 264.92kcal
- Fat: 16.84g
- Saturated Fat: 9.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.30g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.52g
- Carbohydrates: 25.99g
- Fiber: 0.15g
- Sugar: 22.13g
- Protein: 3.35g
- Cholesterol: 89.24mg
- Sodium: 129.89mg
- Calcium: 39.85mg
- Potassium: 60.43mg
- Iron: 0.57mg
- Vitamin A: 158.39µg
- Vitamin C: 0.05mg
Pro Tip: Achieving the Perfect Caramelized Top
When making the crust, ensure the graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a more cohesive base. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish. This helps create a solid foundation that won't crumble when you cut the cheesecake bars.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delectable Dessert
Prepare the crust in advance: Make the graham cracker crust a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Utilize a food processor: Quickly blend graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor.
Skip the water bath: If you're short on time, bake without the water bath and keep an eye on the cheesecake to prevent cracking.
Torch the topping later: Prepare the bars and torch the sugar topping just before serving.
Substitute Ingredients For Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Recipe
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for the crust.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, which complements the cheesecake.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar texture and moisture to the crust.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a different layer of sweetness and a unique flavor to the cheesecake filling.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to thicken the filling without altering the flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a healthier alternative.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative that can help bind the ingredients together.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich and creamy texture while being dairy-free.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can offer a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency as sour cream.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a different but complementary flavor to the cheesecake.
sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can add a deeper caramel flavor to the topping.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream is a dairy-free alternative that offers a similar light and fluffy texture.
Elevate Your Dessert Game: Presentation Tips
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the crème brûlée cheesecake bars into elegant, bite-sized squares to ensure a refined presentation.
Use a pristine white plate: Present the bars on a clean, white plate to make the vibrant colors of the whipped cream, raspberry, and mint garnish pop.
Create a visual contrast: Place the cheesecake bars slightly off-center on the plate and drizzle a thin line of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce around the bars for a striking visual effect.
Add height with whipped cream: Pipe a small, elegant dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar to add height and dimension to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh mint and raspberries: Place a single fresh raspberry and a small sprig of mint on top of the whipped cream for a pop of color and freshness.
Use a culinary torch for a perfect finish: Just before serving, use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar topping on each bar, creating a beautiful, glassy finish that contrasts with the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Add a touch of gold: For an extra touch of luxury, lightly dust the cheesecake bars with edible gold leaf or gold dust.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the crème brûlée cheesecake bars with a glass of champagne or a dessert wine to enhance the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Oven: Used to bake the crust and the cheesecake filling at specified temperatures.
8-inch by 8-inch baking dish: The primary dish where the cheesecake bars will be assembled and baked.
13-inch by 9-inch baking dish: Used to create a water bath for the cheesecake to ensure even baking.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients for both the crust and the filling.
Whisk: Used to mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, as well as the sugar and flour for the filling.
Fork: Helps to mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until evenly moistened.
Electric hand mixer: Blends the cream cheese and sugar mixture smoothly and incorporates the eggs, cream, sour cream, and vanilla.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities like vanilla extract and flour.
Culinary torch: Caramelizes the sugar on top of the cheesecake bars to create the classic crème brûlée topping.
Wire rack: Allows the cheesecake to cool evenly at room temperature.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the crust evenly in the baking dish and for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Knife: Used to cut the cheesecake into bars.
Piping bag: Optional, for adding a decorative dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar.
Spoon: Can be used as an alternative to the piping bag for adding whipped cream.
Raspberry: For garnish, adding a fresh and colorful touch to each bar.
Mint: Also for garnish, providing a fresh and aromatic finish.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Cheesecake Bars
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for crème brûlée cheesecake bars:
- To store the cheesecake bars, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The airtight container will help prevent the bars from absorbing any odors from the fridge and keep them fresh.
- If you want to freeze the cheesecake bars, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen cheesecake bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and let the bars come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- For best results, add the sugar topping and caramelize it with a culinary torch just before serving. This will ensure a crispy, crunchy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, smooth cheesecake filling.
- If you have any leftover cheesecake bars with the caramelized sugar topping, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the moisture from the cheesecake may cause the caramelized sugar to soften and lose its crunch over time.
Surprising Trivia About Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
A unique aspect of this crème brûlée cheesecake bars recipe is the combination of two classic desserts: crème brûlée and cheesecake. The crème brûlée topping adds a delightful caramelized sugar crunch, contrasting with the creamy cheesecake filling and the buttery graham cracker crust.
Budget-Friendly Dessert: Is This Recipe Economical?
The crème brûlée cheesecake bars recipe is moderately cost-effective. The primary ingredients like graham crackers, cream cheese, and sugar are relatively affordable. Specialty items like a culinary torch might be a one-time investment. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is This Decadent Dessert Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crème brûlée cheesecake bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - graham crackers, sugar, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream - are all high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. Consuming these ingredients in excess can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much on taste:
- Use reduced-fat graham crackers or swap them for a whole-grain, lower-sugar alternative like oat crackers
- Replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to reduce the overall sugar content
- Swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or milk
- Reduce the amount of butter in the crust or use a healthier alternative like coconut oil
- Top the bars with fresh fruit instead of whipped cream to add nutrients and fiber
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of crème brûlée cheesecake bars that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key - even with healthier ingredients, it's important to enjoy these treats in reasonable portions as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Take: Why We Love This Recipe
This crème brûlée cheesecake bars recipe is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. The graham cracker crust provides a perfect crunchy base, while the creamy cheesecake filling is rich and smooth. The water bath technique ensures a velvety texture without cracks. The brûléed sugar topping adds a satisfying caramelized crunch, beautifully contrasted by the light whipped cream and fresh raspberry garnish. The step-by-step instructions are clear, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Overall, it's an elegant and indulgent treat that will impress at any gathering.
Enhance Your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Explore These Delightful Cheesecake Bar Variations
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Why trust this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Recipe:
This crème brûlée cheesecake bars recipe combines the classic flavors of crème brûlée with the creamy richness of cheesecake. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, while the cream cheese filling ensures a smooth, velvety texture. The final touch of caramelized sugar on top creates an irresistible contrast. With detailed instructions and carefully measured ingredients, this recipe guarantees a dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
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