Name: Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-486544H11M45S
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup granulated sugar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these bars because they bring together the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and that unforgettable caramelized sugar crunch. They’re perfect for special occasions or when I want to serve something elegant but not too fussy. Everyone always swoons over the golden topping and velvety texture.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

24 oz (3 8 oz blocks) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Crème Brûlée Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

Directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
To make the crust, I combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. I press the mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
For the filling, I beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. I mix in the sour cream and vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
I pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is set. Then, I cool the pan on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Once chilled, I sprinkle ¼ cup granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, I caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crisp. Alternatively, I place it under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully.
I let the topping cool until hardened, then slice into bars and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 bars. Prep time is 15 minutes, baking time is 50 minutes, and total time is about 4 hours 15 minutes including chilling. Each bar contains approximately 340 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I add a dash of espresso powder or a swirl of raspberry jam into the cheesecake layer for extra depth. For a citrus twist, I stir in a bit of lemon or orange zest.

storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The brûlée topping will soften over time, but the flavor stays rich and satisfying. I don’t reheat them—they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake and chill the bars a day in advance. I add the brûlée topping just before serving for best texture.

Can I use a different crust?

Absolutely. A cookie crust made with vanilla wafers or gingersnaps also works beautifully.

Do I need a torch for the topping?

A kitchen torch works best, but I’ve used a broiler successfully—I just watch very closely to prevent burning.

Can I freeze the bars?

Yes, I freeze the bars without the sugar topping. I thaw in the fridge and brûlée just before serving.

How do I slice clean bars?

I chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for the neatest edges.

Conclusion

These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, showstopping dessert that always impresses. With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and shattering sugar top, they offer elegance in every bite. I love serving them whenever I want a dessert that’s both classic and creative.