Description
Discover how to make the perfect Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with our easy step-by-step guide, tips, and serving ideas for a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Filling:
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
- Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking pan.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened Philadelphia cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set fully.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Use High-Quality Ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs to help the cheesecake set properly.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract provides a richer flavor compared to imitation vanilla.
Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This prevents lumps and helps the ingredients blend smoothly.
Crust Tips:
- Firm Press: Press the graham cracker crust mixture firmly into the baking pan to create a solid base. Using the bottom of a measuring cup can help achieve an even, compact crust.
- Pre-Bake: Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes to ensure it holds up under the cheesecake layer and doesn’t become soggy.
Batter Mixing:
- Mix the batter until just combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks.
Cooling Process:
- Cool the cheesecake bars gradually to prevent cracks. After baking, let them cool in the oven with the door slightly open for about an hour before refrigerating.
Flavor Variations:
- Fruit Swirls: Add a swirl of fruit puree (like raspberry or blueberry) into the cheesecake batter before baking.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.