Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cgraham cracker crumbs)
(180g, from 11 large graham cracker sheets
- 3 tbsplight brown sugar
- 6 tbspunsalted butter)
melted (85g
- 2packages cream cheese
room temperature
- ⅝ cgranulated sugar)
(133g
- ⅓ csour cream)
room temperature (80g
- 2 tspfresh lemon juice
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 3 largeeggs
room temperature
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8x8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on at least 2 of the sides.
- 2
In a large bowl, stir to combine the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Drizzle the melted butter all over and stir well to combine. (Pinch the mixture between your fingers and thumb. If it holds together on it’s own, the crust is ready. If it is sandy and falls apart, add 1 more tablespoon of melted butter and stir to combine.)
- 3
Place the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Set aside for about 45 minutes to cool.
- 4
Decrease the oven temperature to 325°F.
- 5
Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy and smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- 6
Add the granulated sugar and beat for 1 minute until well combined.
- 7
Add the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla and beat for 30 seconds, until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. If any small pieces of cream cheese remain, continue to mix until it’s smooth.
- 8
Add the eggs and beat on low speed for about 30 seconds or just until combined.
- 9
Pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are slightly puffed and the middle is nearly set. (It should move just slightly.) Let cool completely for about 2 hours on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until very cold.
- 10
Slice into bars and serve topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache, if you like.
Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a dessert that's both elegant and effortlessly satisfying? These cheesecake bars are your answer, delivering all the rich, creamy goodness of a classic cheesecake in a convenient, shareable form that's perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of these cheesecake bars lies in their straightforward appeal, offering a perfectly rich and creamy texture with just the right hint of tang that truly sets them apart. They’re so easy to make and are designed for sharing, making them an ideal treat for parties and gatherings.
Prepare for a truly luscious dessert experience. Each bar features a velvety-smooth cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth, complemented by a perfectly crumbly graham cracker crust. You’ll savor the harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and subtly tart notes, creating a balanced and utterly irresistible bite every time. With 235 calories per serving, they offer a delightful indulgence that’s just right.
Customization & Variations
While these cheesecake bars are delicious as-is, you can easily personalize them. Try swapping the graham cracker crumbs for crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate sandwich cookies to create a different crust flavor. For an extra bright, zesty note, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture alongside the fresh lemon juice, enhancing its tangy profile.
These rich and creamy cheesecake bars are tailor-made for celebrations, potlucks, or simply as a delightful treat to share with friends and family. Serve them chilled, perhaps with a scattering of fresh berries for an added pop of color and freshness.