Description
Creamy and smooth cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for an easy dessert cut into bars for convenient serving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature for baking your cheesecake bars evenly.
- Prepare crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly combined and holds together when pressed.
- Form crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a baking dish (typically an 8×8 inch pan works well) to form the base for the cheesecake filling.
- Make filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 2/3 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cool and chill: Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake; slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect doneness.
- Use an 8×8 inch baking dish for optimal thickness and baking time.
- For cleaner cuts, chill well and wipe knife between slices.
- Add toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
