Classic Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

These cream cheese bars are a delightful treat with a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a simple but satisfying topping. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full graham crackers)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

  • 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, but adds richness)

For the Topping (Optional, but Recommended):

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
  • Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture and stir until well combined.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

2. Make the Filling:

  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (if using). Mix until smooth.
  • Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust.

3. Bake the Bars:

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still have a slight jiggle.

4. Prepare the Topping (Optional):

  • While the bars are baking, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  • Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and spread the sour cream topping evenly over the hot filling.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.
  • Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting into squares.

5. Serve:

  • Cut the chilled cream cheese bars into squares and serve.

Tips and Variations:

  • Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist.
  • Fruit Topping: Top the baked and cooled bars with your favorite fruit topping, such as fresh berries or a cherry pie filling.
  • Lemon Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Swirls: Before baking, swirl some fruit preserves or chocolate sauce into the cream cheese filling using a knife.
  • Crust variations: use other types of cookie crumbs for the crust, like oreo crumbs.

Enjoy your delicious cream cheese bars!

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