Description
These Delight Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and endless topping possibilities, these bars are sure to become your new go-to dessert for any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just a sweet treat after dinner, these cheesecake bars are simple to make but will impress anyone who tries them. Whether you go with the classic version or add your personal twist, these bars will surely delight your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the topping (optional but recommended):
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of all)
- Chocolate drizzle (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
- Crushed graham crackers or toffee bits for extra crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make removal easier.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture has a wet sand-like texture.
- Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
- Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the oven for about an hour to prevent cracks.
- After an hour, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely before transferring to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to set.
- Serve and top:
- Once chilled, cut the cheesecake bars into squares or rectangles.
- Top with fresh fruit, chocolate drizzle, or any other topping of your choice. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until combined to achieve a smooth, crack-free result.
- Chill properly: Make sure the cheesecake bars are well chilled before cutting and serving. They should be set and firm before serving.
- Customizations: Feel free to experiment with different crusts (like crushed Oreos or shortbread cookies) or add flavored extracts (such as almond or lemon) to the filling for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg