Indulging in a rich and velvety cheesecake bar is like taking a delightful bite of creamy heaven, where every morsel melts in your mouth. The buttery crust cradles a luscious filling that dances with flavors, tantalizing your taste buds and making you crave more. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that invokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the sweet aroma wafting through the air, drawing everyone to the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious dessert ideas recipe.
I remember the first time I made these cheesecake bars for a potluck. Friends were practically fighting over the last piece, and I might have even been tempted to hide one for myself. Perfect for celebrations or just because it’s Tuesday, these bars promise to deliver smiles and satisfaction with each slice. For more inspiration, check out this perfect dinner pairings recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These rich and velvety cheesecake bars are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
- Their delightful creaminess paired with a buttery crust creates an irresistible flavor combination
- Visually stunning with their smooth topping, they make an impressive addition to any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be customized with various toppings or flavors, they cater to everyone’s preferences
I still chuckle when I think about how my friends begged me for this recipe after tasting these bars at our last gathering.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for a smoother base that holds together beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness; make sure it’s unsalted to control seasoning.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing; it’s the star of our velvety filling.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens your filling perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds warmth and depth that elevates the entire dessert.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs create a smooth texture; they help bind everything together beautifully.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient adds tanginess and creaminess; don’t skip it if you want that authentic cheesecake flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Create the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan for stability.
Craft the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing until creamy and fluffy; don’t forget to scrape down those sides!
Add Eggs & Flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the mixture along with vanilla extract and sour cream. Blend until everything is combined but avoid overmixing.
Bake It Up!: Pour the creamy filling over your crust in the baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges.
Cool & Slice**: Allow cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before chilling them in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Once chilled, lift them out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve!
You Must Know
- Rich and Velvety Cheesecake Bars offer a creamy texture and delightful flavor that can make any occasion special
- These bars are perfect for sharing or savoring alone with a cup of coffee
- The buttery crust complements the rich filling, creating an irresistible treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while your oven preheats to 350°F. Bake it until golden brown, then mix the filling while it cools. Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out classic cream cheese for mascarpone for an even richer flavor. You can also add lemon zest or chocolate chips to customize your cheesecake bars to your liking.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Rich and Velvety Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best results, enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge, but you can also microwave them gently if you prefer them warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling; cold cream cheese can create lumps
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges
- Use parchment paper lining for easy removal from the pan, ensuring beautiful presentation!
Creating these Rich and Velvety Cheesecake Bars always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed around the dessert table, and everyone fought over the last crumb.
FAQ
What makes these cheesecake bars so rich?
The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a smooth, indulgent texture.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The edges should be set, but the center will slightly jiggle when baked correctly.
Rich and Velvety Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Description
Indulge in these rich and velvety cheesecake bars that melt in your mouth, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy filling. Perfect for gatherings or simply treating yourself, every bite delivers a burst of flavor that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and customizable, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract and sour cream. Blend until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: - For an extra-rich flavor, substitute mascarpone cheese for cream cheese. - Add lemon zest or chocolate chips to personalize your cheesecake bars. - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.