Description
These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars bring you all the rich, creamy flavor of a classic cheesecake—without the fuss. Baked in a simple 9×13 pan and cut into bars, they’re easy, portable, and perfect for sharing. With a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth cream cheese filling, this recipe is a beginner-friendly way to make cheesecake at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting later.
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in vanilla and sour cream until creamy.
- Bake: Pour filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Do not overbake.
- Cool and Chill: Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate 3–4 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the cheesecake out of the pan, cut into bars with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges. Top with berries, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts. These bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen individually for up to 2 months. Try variations like lemon zest, pumpkin puree, or Oreo crust for fun flavor twists.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg