Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert that delivers all the deliciousness of classic cheesecake in a convenient, bite-sized form. With a smooth and velvety cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, these cheesecake bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with a buttery graham cracker crust that complements the rich filling. They’re incredibly easy to make and are a more portable version of traditional cheesecake. These bars are just as decadent, but with a convenient, cut-able format that makes serving and sharing a breeze. Plus, the tangy cream cheese flavor comes from Philadelphia Cream Cheese, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker texture)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated.

3. Press the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s packed tightly and evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and set. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you want an extra creamy texture, mix in the sour cream and flour.

5. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Cheesecake Bars:

6. Bake the Bars: Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools). The top may crack slightly, which is normal.

7. Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set and become firm.

Serve:

8. Cut and Serve: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars and serve. Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra flavor (optional).

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 bars (depending on size)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 25-30 minutes

• Chilling time: 2 hours (or overnight)

• Total time: 3 hours (or overnight)

Variations

• Fruit Topping: Top with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, or make a fruit compote to drizzle over the bars.

• Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Stir in some melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling for a chocolate version.

• Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the filling for a citrusy twist.

• Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for a sweet and savory addition.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. These bars are best served chilled, so keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of cream cheese?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use Philadelphia Cream Cheese, but any cream cheese brand will work. Make sure it’s fully softened for smooth mixing.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes! You can swap out the graham cracker crust for an Oreo cookie crust, shortbread, or a gluten-free option like almond flour and coconut.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the cheesecake bars gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crust instead of traditional graham crackers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly—check after 30 minutes to see if the center is set.

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or non-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be a bit different. Full-fat cream cheese provides the creamiest texture and best flavor.

How do I prevent the top from cracking?

To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter and don’t bake the cheesecake bars at too high of a temperature. Let them cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating, as rapid cooling can cause cracking.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirls of caramel to the cheesecake filling before baking for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings the creamy goodness of cheesecake into a convenient bar format. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and customizable toppings, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a gathering, enjoy them as a sweet snack, or make them for a special treat, these cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit with everyone!

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