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Perfect Red White and Blue Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

red white and blue crème brûlée cheesecake bars - featured image

These creamy cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth full-fat cream cheese filling, and a signature brûlée sugar topping decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries, perfect for patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 16 ounces (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until combined and crumbly. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ¾ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  5. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  6. Just before serving, arrange sliced strawberries and blueberries on top in a festive pattern. Sprinkle ½ cup granulated sugar evenly over the fruit and exposed cheesecake surface.
  7. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping by holding the flame about 2 inches away and moving in slow circles until sugar bubbles and turns deep amber. Let cool to harden.
  8. Cut into bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wiping the blade clean between cuts.

Notes

Avoid overbaking the cheesecake; remove when the center still jiggles slightly to prevent cracks and dryness. Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smooth filling. Keep the torch moving steadily when caramelizing sugar to avoid burning. Chill bars overnight for best slicing and flavor. Use a serrated knife warmed with hot water to cut bars cleanly without cracking the brûlée crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, crème brûlée, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July, red white and blue, easy dessert, summer dessert