Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Irresistible Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for finishing)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper to form an even crust.
2. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and the almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream and mix until the batter is thick and creamy without lumps.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
7. Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars.
8. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each cheesecake bar. Using a kitchen torch (or under a broiler, if you don’t have one), carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy layer. Allow the sugar to cool and harden for a few minutes.
9. Just before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for added sweetness and a lovely presentation.