Cheesecake Bars
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Additional Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 55 mins
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Servings
16 cheesecake squares
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Calories
377 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Cheesecake Bars
Description
The crust combines graham cracker crumbs with granulated and brown sugars and melted unsalted butter, pressed evenly into a 9x9 inch pan without pre-baking. The cheesecake layer is made by beating softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then blending in sour cream, vanilla, and eggs one at a time for even incorporation.
This batter is poured onto the crust and baked at 325°F until firm but still slightly jiggly in the center. The bars can be enjoyed as is or topped with ganache made by warming heavy cream and stirring in chopped semisweet chocolate until smooth and glossy.
The cheesecake bars combine a crisp, buttery base with a creamy, slightly tangy filling. The optional ganache adds a decadent chocolate layer that complements the cheesecake's flavor. The bars can be sliced into portions ideal for sharing or snacks.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months. The recipe can be adapted by layering the ganache or by making mini-sized versions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar firmly packed
- 7 Tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
Cheesecake
- 24 oz cream cheese softened (use brick-style full-fat cream cheese)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 egg room temperature preferred, large
Ganache (optional)
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate finely chopped (may substitute chocolate chips, no chopping needed, or dark chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and line a 9x9” baking pan with parchment paper or foil (optional). Set aside.
- Stir together graham cracker crumbs and sugars until combined.
- Add melted butter and stir until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press crumbs evenly into the bottom of prepared baking pan and set aside (no need to pre-bake before adding cheesecake batter).
Cheesecake
- Combine cream cheese and sugar in large mixing bowl (or in bowl of stand mixer) and use an electric mixer (or paddle attachment on mixer) to beat on medium-speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract and stir on low-speed until combined.
- Lightly beat one egg with a fork then add it to the cheesecake batter and stir on low-speed until just-combined. Repeat with remaining eggs. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour batter evenly over graham cracker crust in prepared baking pan.
- Transfer to the center rack of 325F (165C) preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until cheesecake is almost set (the center will still have some jiggle but will mostly be set, the edges may have puffed a bit, and if you lightly touch the center with your finger it should spring back to the touch).
- Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature then transfer to refrigerator to chill completely, at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight.
- After cheesecake has completely chilled, top with chocolate ganache if desired.
Ganache
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour cream into small saucepan and heat over medium heat. As soon as you see the cream beginning to simmer, remove from heat and pour evenly over chocolate. Do not stir, just cover the bowl with foil and allow to sit for 5 minutes undisturbed.
- Remove foil and gently whisk ingredients together until chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
- Pour evenly over cheesecake bars, using a spatula to smooth if necessary. Transfer to refrigerator until ganache has set (about 15-20 minutes) then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store cheesecake bars airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Variations include chocolate cheesecake bars or mini cheesecake versions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16cheesecake squares
Amount Per Serving
Calories 377 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cheesecake square | |
| Calories | 377kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 204mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 151mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 926IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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