Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly simple to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further than these delightful cream cheese bars! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, offering a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight gathering or a simple yet impressive homemade treat, these cream cheese bars will undoubtedly become a new favorite. They're the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy, making them a truly satisfying dessert experience.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Press into pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure an even layer.
- Bake partially: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. This pre-baking helps prevent a soggy bottom.
Making and Baking the Filling:
- Cream together butter and cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best for this step.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Incorporate eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Pour over crust: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake: Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the filling to crack.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows the filling to fully set and prevents crumbling.
Tips for Success:
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust. Don't let it soften too much.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the filling can make it tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely will prevent them from falling apart when you cut them.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent twist.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: Add the zest of one lemon to the filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars: Top the baked bars with fresh strawberries after they have cooled.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy cream cheese bars are a guaranteed hit, perfect for any occasion! They're a delicious and satisfying dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!