Description
Baked Cheesecake Bars with a Buttery Crust are rich, creamy dessert bars featuring a smooth cheesecake filling on a golden graham cracker crust. Easier to make than a full cheesecake, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional)
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, fruit compote, chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Mix in flour if using.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Slice into bars and top with berries, compote, or ganache if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- Use a clean knife between cuts for neat slices.
- Oreo or digestive biscuit crusts can be used instead of graham crackers.
- Bars are best served chilled—do not reheat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg