What happens when creamy cheesecake collides with the caramelized top of a crème brûlée—all layered over a sugar cookie crust? You get Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars, an irresistible dessert that delivers the crunch, the creaminess, and the kind of satisfaction only a homemade treat can offer. Whether you’re baking for a dinner party or just treating yourself, these bars come together with simple steps and pantry staples. And bonus? You don’t need a culinary degree—or even a torch—to make this sweet dream a reality.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are that perfect blend of comfort and class. Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to dessert:
- Foolproof for Beginners: With a cookie mix crust and no water bath required, this recipe is totally doable.
- Caramel Crunch: The toffee topping gives you that classic brûlée crack—no torch needed!
- Rich and Creamy: Thanks to sour cream and extra egg yolks, the filling is silky smooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to brunch, these bars dress up or down easily.
The Story Behind Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars bring together two desserts with rich backstories. Here’s why they work so well together:
- Crème Brûlée dates back to 17th-century France and translates to “burnt cream,” referring to its caramelized sugar top.
- Cheesecake has ancient Greek roots but was perfected into the dense, creamy dessert we know in modern American baking.
- The toffee bits mimic that crackly sugar brûlée top, adding texture without special tools.
- This recipe is a cozy shortcut—adapted from Betty Crocker—with maximum flavor and minimal effort.
Key Ingredients in Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
- Sugar Cookie Mix: Forms the sweet, buttery crust—no measuring flour or sugar required.
- French Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds depth and richness to the base layer.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show, bringing creamy tang and structure.
- Sour Cream: Keeps the filling moist and ultra-smooth.
- Egg Yolks: Add silkiness and that classic custard richness.
- Toffee Bits: Create that signature crackly top, no torch needed.
How to Make Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
- Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. - Make the Crust
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar cookie mix, pudding mix, melted butter, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press into the prepared pan in an even layer. - Mix the Filling
Wipe out the same bowl and beat cream cheese, egg, egg yolks, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth using a handheld mixer. Make sure the cream cheese is super soft to avoid lumps. - Bake the Bars
Pour the filling over the crust. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set (not jiggly). Start checking at 30 minutes, but don’t be afraid to go longer—your oven may vary. - Add the Brûlée Touch
Sprinkle toffee bits evenly over the top as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. - Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Slice into bars once fully chilled and enjoy that creamy-meets-crunchy bite.
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars Tips and Twists
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a lump-free filling.
- Beat until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Check for doneness by gently jiggling the pan.
- Let bars cool before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
- Use foil for easy removal and slicing.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a thin zigzag of melted chocolate before serving.
- Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to the filling for a bright twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans with the toffee for extra texture.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Best served chilled—no reheating needed.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the day before and chill overnight for perfect texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Take your dessert up a notch with these tasty pairings:
- Hot Coffee or Espresso: Balances the sweetness with bold flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Add a pop of color and tart contrast.
- Vanilla Whipped Cream: A dollop on top makes it extra indulgent.
- Crushed Toffee Garnish: Sprinkle more on just before serving for presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use full-fat sour cream?
Yes! Full-fat is preferred for richness and smooth texture.
What if I don’t have a torch?
No problem—the toffee bits provide the crunch without it.
Can I freeze these bars?
You can, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap tightly and freeze before adding toffee topping.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cookie mix and pudding mix as substitutions.
Why does my cheesecake crack?
Usually from overbaking or sudden temperature changes—cool gradually and don’t overbake.
Enjoy Your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars bring the best of two worlds into one dreamy, delicious dessert. With a cookie crust that’s soft yet sturdy, a filling that’s silky and sweet, and a golden toffee topping that mimics classic brûlée—every bite is magic. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a quiet treat, these bars are a bakery-worthy addition to your recipe box. You don’t need a torch or fancy tools—just a little time, a few pantry staples, and a sweet tooth ready to be wowed.
Explore More Recipes to Love
If these bars hit the sweet spot, you’ll love these dessert favorites from Abby’s Recipes:
- Try our Ooey Gooey Butter Bars for an ultra-rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Craving something fruity? These Strawberry Cream Cakes are light and luscious.
- Our No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is perfect when you want cheesecake without the oven.
- For classic decadence, go for our Chocolate Fudge Cake—deep, moist, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Happy baking and even happier eating!
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars with Toffee Crunch
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 17.5 oz pouch sugar cookie mix
- 1 3.5 oz box instant French vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- Two 8 oz blocks cream cheese very soft
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix all crust ingredients until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Wipe out the bowl, then beat cream cheese, egg, yolks, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set. Start checking at 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle toffee bits over the hot bars immediately after baking.
- Cool at room temp for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars!
Notes
Variation: Add citrus zest to the filling for a subtle tangy twist in your crème brûlée cheesecake bars. Nutrition (Estimated per bar)
Calories: 310
Carbs: 29g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 21g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 0g