Craving a decadent dessert but short on time? These easy cheesecake bars are the perfect solution! They deliver all the creamy, dreamy goodness of classic cheesecake in a convenient, easily portioned format. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, these bars are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unbelievably easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
Now for the creamy filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling strong!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
Bake to perfection:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set around the edges and just slightly jiggly in the center. It's important not to overbake, as this can lead to cracks.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to fully set and prevents them from crumbling.
Helpful Tips for Cheesecake Success:
- Soften that cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling. Leaving it out on the counter for an hour or two before starting will do the trick.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the finished bars. Mix until just combined.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the cheesecake bars to cool completely prevents them from breaking apart when you cut them.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a decadent twist.
- Fruity Delight: Top the baked bars with fresh berries or a fruit compote after they've cooled.
- Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 15g
- Protein: Around 3g
- Carbohydrates: Around 25g
These numbers are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy cheesecake bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciousness! They're a simple yet impressive dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!