Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake has long been a favorite dessert for many, known for its rich, creamy texture and the delightful combination of flavors that dance on the palate. Among the myriad of cheesecake variations, Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars stand out for their ease of preparation and their ability to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. With a luscious filling that boasts the perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness, complemented by a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are the epitome of dessert indulgence.

Discover the ultimate indulgence with Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars! This creamy dessert features a luscious filling made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese that melts in your mouth, resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are simple to prepare and customizable with toppings like fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a rich and satisfying treat that will impress family and friends. Enjoy the delicious history and versatility of these cheesecake bars today!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

2 (8 oz) packages of Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup sour cream

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

For the Topping (Optional):

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.

Add the Eggs and Flavors: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined. Then add in the vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Pour and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake the bars in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking.

Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Serve: Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars and serve topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 4 hours, 30 minutes | 16 bars