Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later. Combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Step 3: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Step 4: Let the cheesecake bars cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Step 5: Once chilled, sprinkle the top evenly with ½ cup granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown. If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can broil the bars for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 6: Once the sugar is caramelized, let it cool slightly before lifting the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – the brûlée topping will soften slightly but still be delicious.
- For a warm, gooey center, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds, but watch carefully to prevent melting the cheesecake.
- Serve these delightful bars with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
- To ensure even baking and prevent cracks, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened and at room temperature before starting step 2.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American