Quick & Creamy Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crème brûlée cheesecake bars combine two luxurious dessert worlds in one irresistible treat.

Sweet cream cheese mingles with silky custard for a decadent experience that elevates traditional bar desserts.

These elegant squares promise a crisp caramelized top that shatters like delicate glass when tapped with a spoon.

Delicate yet rich, they blend the classic French dessert’s caramelized sugar essence with creamy cheesecake smooth texture.

Each bite delivers a complex symphony of contrasting temperatures and textures that dance across your palate.

The magic happens through careful layering and precise techniques that upgrade simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to wow guests with a dessert that looks complicated but comes together with surprising ease.

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars That Feel Luxurious

• Crack the Caramelized Crust: Experience the delightful crunch of a perfectly torched sugar topping that adds a dramatic textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake base, mimicking the classic crème brûlée experience in a convenient bar format.
• Simplify Sophisticated Dessert: Transform an elegant French dessert into an approachable, shareable treat that's perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings without requiring advanced pastry skills or specialized equipment.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep these bars in advance and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, making them an ideal stress-free dessert option that allows you to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen during entertaining.

Everything That Goes in Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers, Digestive Biscuits: Crisp base that provides a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake bars with a classic sweet and buttery flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds richness to the base.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set properly during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic flavor to complement the cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to a smooth, creamy texture and adds subtle tanginess.

• Toffee Bits: Adds a crunchy, caramel-like texture and sweet finish to the cheesecake bars.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes removing the bars easier.
• Aluminum Foil: Assists with easy removal and cleanup of the baked dessert.

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crust

In a large bowl, mix the crust ingredients until a thick dough forms. Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling

Clean the previous bowl. Blend all filling ingredients except toffee bits using an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Spread the filling evenly over the crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is set and looks firm.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle toffee bits across the top of the baked cheesecake. Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours before cutting and serving. This helps the bars set and enhances the flavor.

Tips for Crisp Tops and Creamy Cheesecake Layers

• Crush Crust Perfectly: Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press the crust evenly, creating a compact and uniform base for your bars.
• Smooth Filling Technique: Beat the filling ingredients at high speed to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture throughout the cheesecake.
• Prevent Cracking Secrets: Avoid overbaking by checking the center of the cheesecake – it should jiggle slightly but not be liquid when gently shaken.
• Chill for Success: Allow the cheesecake bars to refrigerate for the full 3 hours to set completely and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
• Toffee Bit Garnish: Sprinkle toffee bits while the bars are still slightly warm to help them adhere better and create a delightful crunchy topping.

Storing Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars for Maximum Texture

• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the cheesecake bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing them in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Freezing: Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and taste.
• Reheating: For optimal enjoyment, serve these bars chilled directly from the refrigerator. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before indulging in their creamy, decadent goodness.

What Tastes Great with Cheesecake Bars

• Elevate with Classic French Wine: Pair this decadent dessert with a crisp Sauternes, a sweet white wine from Bordeaux that perfectly complements the creamy texture and caramelized sugar notes of the cheesecake bars.
• Enhance with Coffee Companions: Serve alongside a rich espresso or a smooth cappuccino, which will cut through the dessert's sweetness and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, crunchy texture.
• Match with Complementary Liqueur: Drizzle a small glass of amaretto or Grand Marnier alongside the bars, as these almond and orange-based liqueurs will beautifully highlight the toffee bits and creamy cheesecake flavors.
• Create Textural Contrast: Garnish with a light sprinkle of candied pecans or almond slivers to add an extra crunch that echoes the caramelized top and provides a nutty background note to the dessert.

Flavor Spins for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

• Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Bars: Replace toffee bits with crushed caramel popcorn for added texture and a sweet-salty crunch. Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the top before chilling for extra indulgence.
• Maple Pecan Fusion Bars: Swap toffee bits with chopped toasted pecans and add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the filling. Sprinkle candied pecans on top for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Remix: Mix in ground hazelnuts with the crust and fold chocolate-hazelnut spread into the cheesecake filling. Garnish with crushed roasted hazelnuts and a light chocolate drizzle for decadent results.
• Tropical Coconut Dream: Incorporate shredded coconut into the crust and mix coconut extract into the filling. Top with toasted coconut flakes and a light lime zest for a refreshing tropical variation.

Crme Brle Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars blend French elegance with American comfort in a silky dessert that marries two classic treats. Creamy cheesecake layers topped with caramelized sugar create an irresistible experience you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, room temperature and very soft
• 17.5 ounces (496 grams) sugar cookie mix pouch
• 3.5 ounces (99 grams) instant French vanilla pudding mix

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (80 grams) toffee bits
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation Additions:

• 1 large egg (for crust)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for crust)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Create the crust by thoroughly mixing all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until a cohesive, dense dough forms.
3. Evenly press the crust mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform base layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan.
4. Clean the mixing bowl and prepare the filling by combining all ingredients except the toffee bits.
5. Use an electric hand mixer to whip the filling ingredients on high speed, blending until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Carefully spread the creamy filling over the prepared crust, making sure to distribute it evenly across the surface.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pan inside to bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
8. Check the doneness by ensuring the center of the cheesecake bars is set and no longer appears liquid.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle toffee bits over the top of the warm cheesecake.
10. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to help them stabilize.
11. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 3 hours to allow the bars to set completely.
12. Once fully chilled, cut into individual bars and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Prepare a sturdy aluminum foil lining in the baking pan to ensure easy removal and seamless cleanup of these decadent cheesecake bars.
• Thoroughly combine crust ingredients until a consistent, thick dough forms to create a solid, compact base for the creamy filling.
• Beat filling ingredients at high speed to achieve a silky-smooth texture that guarantees a luxurious, velvety cheesecake experience.
• Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating to help set the texture and enhance flavor development.
• Chill the bars for a minimum of 3 hours to achieve the perfect firm consistency and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Sprinkle toffee bits on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and caramel-like sweetness that elevates the dessert.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg