Description
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
2 1/2 blocks cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar for topping
Fresh fruit
Directions:
Combine crumbs and butter; press into a dish.
Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs and cream, mixing evenly.
Bake at 325°F for 35 minutes. Chill overnight.
Torch the sugar topping until golden. Add berries.
Tell us: Is this the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy?
#GoldenCheesecake
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the 1 3/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs with the 1/3 cup of melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a flat glass to compact it. Pre-bake this crust for 10 minutes at 325°F, then let it cool slightly while you make the filling.
2. Make the Filling: Using a stand mixer or hand beaters, beat the 2 1/2 blocks of softened cream cheese with the 3/4 cup of sugar on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated after each. Finally, mix in the 1/4 cup of cream and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the batter is uniform. Avoid overmixing after adding the eggs.
3. Bake and Chill: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
4. Brûlée and Serve: Cut the chilled cheesecake into bars. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each bar. Use a culinary torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a deep golden, glass-like crust. Allow the sugar to harden for a minute, then garnish with fresh berries.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are elegant on their own but can be elevated with simple accompaniments. Serve with a side of fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) or a berry coulis. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the crunchy sugar top. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprig of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
How-to Summary
Create a graham cracker crust, pre-bake. Blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, cream, and vanilla into a smooth filling. Bake until set at the edges, then chill thoroughly overnight. Cut into bars, top with sugar, and torch to create a caramelized brûlée topping. Garnish with fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a kitchen torch? Yes, you can use your oven’s broiler. Place the sugared bars on a baking sheet and broil for 1-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The torch offers more control.
How do I store leftovers? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The brûlée topping will soften but is still delicious.
Can I use a different crust? Absolutely. Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies make excellent alternatives to graham crackers.
Why is chilling overnight so important? It allows the cheesecake filling to set fully, ensuring clean cuts and the perfect creamy texture. Rushing this step leads to messy bars.
My filling cracked. What happened? Cracking is often caused by overmixing the batter (incorporating too much air) or overbaking. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and stop baking when the center is still slightly wobbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: This leads to a lumpy batter. Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature.
- Overmixing after adding eggs: This incorporates excess air, causing the cheesecake to rise and fall, leading to cracks.
- Skipping the crust pre-bake: A quick 10-minute bake solidifies the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Applying too much sugar for the topping: A thin, even layer is key. Thick sugar will not caramelize properly and can burn.
- Not chilling long enough: Patience is crucial for the perfect sliceable texture.
Conclusion
These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars masterfully combine the rich, creamy indulgence of classic cheesecake with the satisfying, crisp snap of caramelized sugar. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive dessert that is sure to delight. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a standout treat for any occasion. So, is it the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy? We believe the answer is a resounding yes.
