- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Pour Over Crust:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Refrigerate:
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the pan for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Caramelize the Sugar:
- Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled cheesecake bars. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown crust. Alternatively, you can place the bars under a broiler for a short time, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Once the sugar has been caramelized, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into bars. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
These Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and the crunchy caramelized sugar crust, reminiscent of classic crème brûlée. They make for an elegant and indulgent dessert for special occasions. Enjoy!
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