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Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars with a Crunch

A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and crispy caramelized sugar atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American, Bake
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs Use finely crushed for best texture.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to mix well.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs Add one at a time to avoid lumps.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
For the Topping
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, for caramelizing Evenly distribute for best results.

Method
 

Preparation of the Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Mix until combined.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it with a spatula.
Baking the Bars
  1. Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set.
  2. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it fully set.
Creating the Crunchy Topping
  1. Once the bars are set, remove them from the refrigerator. Sprinkle ½ cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top.
  2. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under the broiler for a short time.
Serving
  1. Allow the topping to cool before slicing into bars.
  2. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures!

Notes

For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Ensure proper chilling for best flavor and texture. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks.