Description

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars offer a smooth, creamy texture atop a crisp graham cracker crust. Perfectly baked to achieve a delicate balance between a set edge and a gently jiggly center, they’re ideal for serving plain or with a variety of toppings like fresh berries, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. A classic dessert that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress any cheesecake lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

24 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream

Toppings:

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Chocolate sauce
Caramel sauce
Whipped cream

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Instructions

Preparing the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely while preparing the filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream just until incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition only until combined to avoid overmixing.
Baking the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake bars to cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Cooling and Chilling: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the bars to set firmly.
Cutting and Serving: After chilling, cut the cheesecake bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them plain or topped with fresh berries, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream to your taste.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
Do not overbeat the eggs into the filling to prevent cracks during baking.
Allowing the bars to cool slowly in the oven reduces the chance of cracking.
Chilling overnight improves texture and firmness, making slicing easier.
You can customize toppings according to seasonal fruits or your preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American