Name: Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup superfine sugar (for topping)

Hey y'all! Fancy a dessert that's as impressive as it is downright delicious? These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars blend the silky richness of classic cheesecake with that iconic brûléed sugar crunch—making them a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, potlucks, or simply spoiling yourself at home. The luscious, creamy filling atop a buttery crust will have everyone swooning for just one more bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Recipe

A decadent fusion combining two dessert favorites: cheesecake and crème brûlée.
Creamy, luscious texture with a satisfying caramelized sugar crackle on top.
Bake-ahead friendly—perfect for entertaining or prepping in advance.
Simple ingredients and step-by-step directions make it approachable for any home baker.
Easier to serve than traditional crème brûlée cups—just slice and enjoy!

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Ingredients

For the crust:
1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120g) sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
For the brûlée topping:
¼ cup (50g) superfine sugar (caster sugar)

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed to avoid lumps.
Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to set completely.

Step 4: Add the Crème Brûlée Topping

Once chilled and set, gently lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares.
Sprinkle an even layer of superfine sugar over the top of each bar.
Using a kitchen torch (see tips on how to use a brûlée torch), carefully brûlée the sugar until melted and caramelized, forming a crisp golden crust. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Notes for Perfect Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

For neat slices, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts and slice while bars are cold.
You can use a broiler instead of a torch in a pinch, but watch closely as sugar can burn quickly. Learn more about different crème brûlée techniques.
For best texture, let the bars chill at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before brûléeing the tops.

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Variations

Berry Swirl: Swirl ¼ cup raspberry or strawberry puree into the cheesecake layer before baking.
Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the crust and drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust for a celiac-friendly treat.

Essential Equipment for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

8x8-inch square baking pan
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Kitchen torch (for brûlée topping)

Storing Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Store these bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, caramelize the sugar topping just before serving; if stored with topping, the crackly top will soften slightly. You can freeze undecorated bars (without brûlée topping) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before brûléeing and serving.

Serving Ideas & Pairings for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra elegance.
Serve with espresso, coffee, or a glass of Moscato for a sophisticated finish.
For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of citrus zest on top.

Pro Tips for Flawless Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Room-temperature ingredients make for an extra silky, lump-free filling.
Let bars cool in the pan to avoid cracks, and chill fully for the cleanest slices. For more baking science, check out cheesecake tips from King Arthur Baking.
Sprinkle sugar topping evenly for a consistent brûlée crust across every bar.

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars FAQ

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare and chill the bars up to 2 days ahead; brûlée the sugar just before serving for best results.
Do I need a kitchen torch for the topping?: A torch gives the best classic caramelized crust, but in a pinch, you can use your oven’s broiler—just watch closely to prevent burning.
Can I double this recipe?: Yes! Simply use a 9x13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 40–45 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars