These Cheesecake Bars with a Crunch are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and a crunchy, toffee-studded crust. The crust is made from a rich sugar cookie base with a hint of French vanilla, while the cheesecake filling is smooth and tangy with bursts of toffee bits for added texture. These bars are a delightful treat, ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and crunchy dessert.
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 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature and very soft
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks (discard or save whites for another use)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Set the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, French vanilla pudding mix, melted butter, large egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is combined and forms a soft dough
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and have a light golden color. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the large egg, egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well-blended. Fold in the toffee bits.
- Add Filling to Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and just slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the deliciously crunchy and creamy treat!
Conclusion
These Cheesecake Bars with a Crunch are the perfect marriage of textures and flavors, combining a sweet, crunchy crust with a smooth, creamy filling and the delightful addition of toffee bits. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for something unique and indulgent, they’re a must-try for your next gathering!
Cheesecake Bars with a Crunchy Toffee Crust
Creamy cheesecake bars with a sugar cookie crustand a crunchy toffee topping, creating a dessert with layers of flavor andtexture.
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 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, at room temperature and very soft
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks discard or save whites for another use
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Set the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, French vanilla pudding mix, melted butter, large egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is combined and forms a soft dough
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and have a light golden color. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the large egg, egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well-blended. Fold in the toffee bits.
- Add Filling to Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and just slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the deliciously crunchy and creamy treat!