Creamy Cheesecake Bars

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Creamy Cheesecake Bars

If you love cheesecake but don’t want the hassle of a full-sized cake, these Creamy Cheesecake Bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and rich cream cheese filling, and a light sprinkle of crumbled graham crackers on top, these bars are a dream come true. They’re easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and taste just like classic cheesecake with half the effort.

A Brief History of Cheesecake

Cheesecake has been around for centuries, dating back to Ancient Greece, where athletes were served a simple version made from cheese, honey, and wheat. Over time, the recipe evolved, and in the 19th century, New York-style cheesecake became famous thanks to the creation of cream cheese. Today, cheesecake comes in all shapes, flavors, and styles, but bars remain a popular option for those who want a more portable and easy-to-serve treat!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

For Topping (Optional):

  • 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
  • A drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

  1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  3. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 10-15 minutes to prevent cracks.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Transfer the cheesecake bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).
  2. Once chilled, remove from the pan, cut into squares, and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a final touch.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Benefits of Cheesecake Bars

Easy to Make: No need for a water bath like traditional cheesecakes.
Perfect Portion Control: Easier to serve and store than a whole cheesecake.
Customizable: Add chocolate chips, berries, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
Rich in Calcium & Protein: Thanks to cream cheese, these bars offer a good amount of calcium and protein.

Nutrition Information (Per Bar)

(Approximate values for 12 bars)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Calcium: 8% of daily value

Conclusion

Cheesecake bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert—creamy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve them at a party, take them to a picnic, or simply treat yourself, these bars will always hit the spot.

So, grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and fall in love with the magic of cheesecake—one bite at a time!

Would you like any variations, like a chocolate or fruit version? Let me know

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