Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the creamy texture of cheesecake combined with the rich flavor of crème brûlée. These bars are an indulgent treat, featuring a delightful sugar cookie crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a topping of crunchy toffee bits that add just the right amount of sweetness and texture. Whether making these for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, these bars will surely impress.
What makes these cheesecake bars stand out is the use of a sugar cookie mix for the crust, which gives them a unique and delicious base. The filling is made with cream cheese, sour cream, and egg yolks, creating a rich and velvety texture. And let's not forget the toffee bits on top – they add a lovely crunch and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
If you've ever felt intimidated by making cheesecake, this recipe is a great place to start. It's straightforward, and the results are absolutely delicious. So, let's dive in and make some Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 (17.5-ounce) pouch sugar cookie mix
- 1 (3.5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, at room temp and very soft
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks (discard whites or save for another use)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup toffee bits
Instructions
Crust:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and spray with cooking spray; set aside.
2. combine the sugar cookie mix, instant French vanilla pudding mix, melted butter, egg, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir until a thick dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.
Filling:
1. In the same large bowl (wipe it out with a paper towel if necessary), add the cream cheese, egg, egg yolks, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a handheld electric mixer on high speed until smooth. Ensure your cream cheese is very soft to avoid lumps.
2. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread evenly.
3. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes and adjust baking time as necessary.
4. Immediately sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the top of the bars. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until chilled before serving.
Storage:
- Store the cheesecake bars airtight in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars as a delightful dessert that's sure to please any crowd!