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!