Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars: A Cozy Slice of Joy
Hello, dear friends! If you’re in the mood for a creamy, indulgent treat that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, then you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that has been a delightful staple in my kitchen for years: Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars.
There’s something so nostalgic about the smell of cheesecake wafting through the house—perhaps it’s the echoes of family gatherings, friends dropping by, or those quiet moments spent savoring a slice while binge-watching your favorite show. Each buttery bite brings with it a rush of memories, laughter, and sweetness. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Perfect for beginner bakers or busy weeknights when you crave something special.
- No-fuss presentation: These bars are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them great for sharing.
- Crowd-pleaser: Rich and creamy, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, and family get-togethers.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings and flavorings to make it your own.
- Just the right amount of sweetness: The graham cracker crust perfectly balances the rich, creamy filling.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For your journey into cheesecake bliss, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Let’s Make It Together
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and create something truly special to share with your loved ones!
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a non-stick haven for your delicious bars.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Use your hands to press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, crafting a solid, buttery crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. As you mix, take a moment to inhale the rich, creamy aroma—it’s blissful!
- Add in the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until the sweet blend is fully combined and smooth.
- Here comes the fun part! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll want each egg to be fully incorporated to create that heavenly texture.
- Gently stir in the sour cream until just combined, adding an extra layer of creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
- Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust in your baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by this point!
- Allow your creation to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars. This waiting period is essential for achieving that perfect texture—trust me, it’s worth it!
Delicious Variations to Try
While these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are wonderful on their own, here are some fun ways to customize them to suit your taste or the season:
- Berry Bliss: Fold in fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries into the cream cheese mixture before baking for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Swirl in some melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese filling for a decadent chocolate cheesecake experience.
- Zesty Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon into the cream cheese mixture for a bright, zesty kick that’s perfect for spring.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your cheesecake bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my best kitchen secrets:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter. This prevents lumps and helps everything blend beautifully.
- Chill Before Slicing: Patience is a virtue! Letting your bars chill in the fridge ensures they slice cleanly.
- Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting bars, using a sharp knife helps achieve those clean lines—wiping it with a warm, damp cloth between slices works wonders!
- Store Wisely: You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, which means you can enjoy these delightful treats throughout the week!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a little nutrition insight for you, so you know what you’re indulging in:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 16 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
Reader FAQs About Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead of time; they actually taste better after a day in the fridge.
Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! Feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheeses or different crusts made from cookies like Oreos.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These cheesecake bars can last in the fridge for about a week, but they’re so delicious they may not last that long!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it, my loves—a cozy, creamy, delightful recipe for Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars that brings a slice of joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night in, this recipe reminds us just how special homemade treats can be. I hope you give it a try and create some wonderful memories along the way.
Save this Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars recipe to your dessert board, so it’s ready when you need a sweet moment of joy! Happy baking!
Print
Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these creamy, rich Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars that are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream until just combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and edges are golden.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Letting the bars chill before slicing ensures clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesecake, dessert, bars, Philadelphia, easy recipe