Name: Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 large eggs (room temperature); Fresh fruit or chocolate sauce (optional for topping)

Print Recipe

Imagine biting into a creamy, dreamy slice of Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)—the kind that makes your taste buds dance with joy! These bars, with their velvety filling and buttery crust, are like a hug for your mouth. Each bite melts away the stress of the day, leaving you craving just one more square. mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes Perfect for parties, picnics, or even a midnight snack while binge-watching your favorite show, these bars promise an explosion of flavor and nostalgia.

I remember the first time I made these delightful treats during a family gathering. My cousin took a bite and declared it the best dessert ever—now that’s some serious praise! The combination of flavors and textures made it an instant hit, and I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. decadent strawberry brownies Whether it’s a sunny afternoon barbecue or a cozy winter evening, these cheesecake bars are always a fantastic choice. Get ready to embark on this delicious adventure!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level
The flavor profile combines rich cream cheese with a hint of vanilla to satisfy all sweet tooth cravings
Visually appealing with their smooth top layer and golden crust, they make any dessert table shine
Versatile enough to customize with toppings like fruit or chocolate drizzle for an extra treat!

The first time I served these bars at my friend’s birthday party, everyone was asking for seconds—and thirds! savory fried pickle dip.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for the best texture in the crust; store-bought works if you’re short on time.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives both the crust and filling that delightful sweetness we all crave.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together while adding richness; don’t skimp on quality here.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The star of this recipe! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. cinnamon roll blondies recipe.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling; don’t skip this ingredient for balanced flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; imitation just won’t cut it!
Eggs: These add structure to your cheesecake filling; make sure they’re at room temperature too.
Fresh Fruit or Chocolate Sauce (optional): Feel free to get creative with toppings to personalize your bars!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Create the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add in sugar gradually while mixing until creamy and fluffy.

Add Flavors: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then add eggs one at a time; beat after each addition until just combined—don’t overmix!

Bake Your Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan. For more inspiration, check out this Irish Soda Bread recipe recipe.

Cool & Chill: Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours (or overnight) to firm up before cutting into squares.

Now that you’ve whipped up these scrumptious Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars), gather your friends or family around! Enjoy them as they disappear faster than you can say “cheesecake”! For more inspiration, check out this Crunch Bars recipe recipe.

You Must Know

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and graham cracker crust, making them ideal for snacks or desserts
Their rich flavor and easy preparation will impress your friends and family, ensuring they keep coming back for more

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust first while preheating your oven. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Bake it briefly before adding the cheesecake layer to ensure a solid foundation.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these cheesecake bars! Swap out vanilla extract for almond, or add fresh fruit toppings like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay delicious for up to five days. For best results, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling; cold cream cheese leads to lumps
Make sure not to overbake your bars; they should be slightly jiggly in the center
Let them cool completely before slicing for clean edges

Creating these bars reminds me of that time I surprised my friends with dessert at a picnic. They devoured every last crumb and insisted I share my secret recipe—now, here we are!

FAQ

What makes Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars different from regular cheesecake?

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are more portable and have a graham cracker crust, ideal for snacking.

Can I freeze Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

How long do these bars need to cool before serving?

Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating.

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)