Sweet Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re a dessert lover, Sweet Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. These bars feature a buttery crust, a creamy and luscious cheesecake layer, and a touch of sweetness that makes them absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just a quiet evening treat. This recipe is easy to follow, yields a show-stopping result, and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Yet Elegant: The recipe combines straightforward steps with stunning results.
2. Versatile: Add your favorite toppings or flavors to make the bars uniquely yours.
3. Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are universally loved and perfect for any gathering.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance to save time before your event.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Line the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
2. Press into the Pan: Evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a firm and level crust.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Cream the Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate the Flour and Sour Cream: Add the flour and sour cream, mixing until fully combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
2. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Add the Toppings (Optional)

1. Prepare Your Toppings: Wash and slice fresh fruit, melt chocolate for drizzling, or prepare whipped cream.
2. Decorate the Bars: Add your toppings of choice just before serving for maximum freshness and visual appeal.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Lift from the Pan: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
2. Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into even squares. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean edges.
3. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs blend more easily for a smoother filling.
2. Avoid Overbaking: The center of the cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
3. Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the bars to chill ensures they set properly and makes slicing easier.
4. Customize the Crust: Swap graham crackers for other cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits for a different flavor.

Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl: Add melted chocolate to the cheesecake batter and swirl it in for a marbled effect.
2. Citrus Twist: Mix in lemon or orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
3. Berry Bliss: Add a layer of blueberry or raspberry compote on top for a fruity finish.
4. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or toffee bits over the top for added texture.

Conclusion

Sweet Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and sweet, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. With a buttery crust and smooth cheesecake filling, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike. Customize them with your favorite toppings to make them uniquely yours, and enjoy the rave reviews that are bound to follow.

Yield: 16

Sweet Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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If you're a dessert lover, Sweet Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. These bars feature a buttery crust, a creamy and luscious cheesecake layer, and a touch of sweetness that makes them absolutely irresistible. They're perfect for parties, holidays, or just a quiet evening treat. This recipe is easy to follow, yields a show-stopping result, and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Chill Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Crust
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the Cheesecake Filling
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• Optional Toppings
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Chocolate drizzle
• Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, just until incorporated.

4. Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

6. Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow them to fully set.
2. Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
3. Slice into squares and top with your desired garnishes before serving.

Notes

• Citrus Twist: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs for a chocolaty base.