Attention, all dessert lovers! Are you ready for a creamy treat that’s easy to make at home? Welcome to the world of homemade cheesecake bars. They’re the ultimate dessert that everyone loves. We’ll show you how to make these rich bars that will make everyone ask for more.
Get ready to impress with your baking skills. And enjoy the homemade goodness of cheesecake bars.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Bars
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Directions for Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon zest, if using.
- Combine and Pour: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door. Allow the bars to cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy!
How to Prepare Cheesecake Bars
Preparing these cheesecake bars is straightforward. Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating the oven. For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla until crumbly. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a lined baking pan to create an even layer.
Next, for the filling, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Beat the cream cheese until creamy, then add sugar and blend well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Finally, fold in the sour cream and vanilla to add richness and flavor.
Once your filling is ready, pour it over the cooled crust, smooth it out, and bake until just set. Remember to let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven, then chill it in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon zest, if using.
- Combine and Pour: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door. Allow the bars to cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the richest, creamiest texture, always opt for full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat alternatives may result in a less satisfying, watery filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When beating the filling, mix just until all ingredients are combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Chill Before Serving: While it may be tempting to cut into the bars right away, letting them chill for a few hours in the refrigerator ensures they hold their shape and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Toppings: These cheesecake bars are versatile and can be customized to your taste. Top with chopped nuts, fruit, chocolate chips, or a swirl of caramel or chocolate sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it less creamy.
- How do I store leftover cheesecake bars?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze cheesecake bars?
- Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Can I add toppings to the cheesecake bars?
- Absolutely! Fresh fruits, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream make excellent toppings.
- What can I substitute for sour cream?
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.
Cheesecake bars are a delightful dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Their creamy texture and buttery crust create a perfect balance of flavors, making them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste.
Enjoy!
