Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Name: Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; ¼ cup granulated sugar

Isabella

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Craving the satisfying richness of cheesecake with a touch of caramelized magic? Look no further than these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars! This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with a shatteringly sweet crème brûlée topping.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour the batter over the cooled crust and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Add the Crème Brûlée Topping: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the chilled cheesecake. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden brown. Alternatively, broil for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Let cool slightly.

Serve and Enjoy: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake and cut into bars with a warm, sharp knife.

Serving Tips:

The Magic of the Crack: The caramelized sugar topping, also known as crème brûlée, is best enjoyed immediately after torching. The sugar has a delightful shatter when you crack through it with your spoon, releasing the creamy cheesecake filling beneath.

Room Temperature Bliss: While the cheesecake can be served chilled straight from the fridge, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving can slightly soften the filling, creating an even more decadent texture.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate for Freshness: Uncut cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheesecake will maintain its creamy texture, while the caramelized sugar topping might soften slightly.

Freezing for Future Feasts: Uncut bars can also be frozen for up to a month. Wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap or store slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Brûlée Before Serving: No matter which storage method you choose, remember to add the crème brûlée topping with the sugar torching only when you’re ready to serve. The caramelized sugar topping will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Related Recipes:

No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

FAQs:

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Absolutely! Using a pre-made crust saves time without sacrificing taste. Look for a graham cracker crust that’s around 9×13 inches to fit your baking pan. Bake it according to the package instructions before adding the cheesecake filling.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

No worries! You can still achieve a caramelized sugar topping. After sprinkling the sugar over the chilled cheesecake, place the pan under your oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning the sugar. Let it cool slightly before serving. Be aware that the broiler method won’t create the same level of caramelization control as a torch.

How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is finished baking when the edges are slightly golden brown and the center is just set. It will still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Don’t overbake, or the cheesecake can become dry and crack.

How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking on top?

A couple of tips can help prevent cracks on your cheesecake. First, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps that can cause the cheesecake to break. Second, after baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about 10 minutes. This slow cooling helps prevent the top from setting too quickly and cracking.

Conclusion:

With these Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars, you’re guaranteed to impress your guests with a dessert that’s both luxurious and easy to prepare. So, fire up your oven and get ready to indulge in a delightful symphony of textures and flavors!

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