Description
These crème brûlée cheesecake bars feature a creamy cheesecake layer over a graham cracker crust, finished with a crisp caramelized sugar top. An elegant dessert made easy.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the brûlée topping:
¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan. Bake 10 minutes, then cool.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
Pour filling over crust. Bake 45–50 minutes until set. Cool completely, then refrigerate 4+ hours.
Sprinkle ¼ cup sugar on chilled surface. Use kitchen torch to caramelize. Alternatively, broil briefly, watching closely.
Cool topping until crisp. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Add espresso powder or jam for variation.
Use vanilla wafer or gingersnap crust for a twist.
Torch provides best brûlée results, but broiler is a viable alternative.
Slice with a clean, sharp knife for neat edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
