Description
Creamy, dreamy Cheesecake Bars bring pure dessert joy straight from my kitchen to your plate. Rich cream cheese nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust delivers pure comfort in each delectable square.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
Supporting Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Lemon zest
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate drizzle
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare your oven space by heating to 325°F (163°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring extra edges hang over for easy removal.
- Combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Press this mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Slide the crust into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Using an electric mixer, beat 16 ounces (450g) softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add ¾ cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until thoroughly incorporated.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, gently folding each into the mixture to maintain a silky texture.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ cup sour cream until your filling becomes uniformly smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Return the pan to the 325°F (163°C) oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your bars are ready when edges appear set but the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan. Slice with a clean, sharp knife and garnish with optional toppings like fresh berries or caramel sauce.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy filling.
- Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won’t crumble when slicing the bars.
- For a lighter texture, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently fold ingredients to prevent incorporating too much air.
- Dairy-free alternative: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use vegan graham crackers for a plant-based version of these bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 175 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg