Okay, let me tell you about these cheesecake bars. Seriously, if you’ve ever wanted to impress someone – or just treat yourself to something utterly divine – these are IT. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, and the taste? Pure magic. We’re talking a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust hugged by the creamiest, dreamiest cheesecake filling. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and sigh with happiness. For me, these cheesecake bars are a total go-to because they deliver that decadent, rich cheesecake experience without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your new favorite go-to, too!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars

Honestly, these cheesecake bars are a game-changer! They’re just so darn simple to make, which is a huge win in my book. You get that incredible, rich cheesecake flavor and super smooth texture without any of the stress. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can dress them up or keep them classic. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crumbly goodness.

Super easy to make – no fancy techniques needed!
Incredibly creamy and delicious.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a Tuesday night treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Seriously, these cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday gathering, or a simple get-together with friends, they always disappear fast. They look elegant but are so easy to serve!

Gathering Your Cheesecake Bars Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these absolutely divine cheesecake bars, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, they’re all pretty standard pantry and fridge staples, which is part of why I love them so much. First up, for that perfect crumbly base, we’ve got our graham cracker crumbs – you’ll need about a cup and a half. Then, for sweetness and binding, we’ll use a quarter cup of granulated sugar and six tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted until it’s all smooth and lovely. For the star of the show, the creamy cheesecake filling, you’ll need sixteen ounces of cream cheese. Now, pay attention here: it HAS to be softened. Seriously, leave it on the counter for a good hour or so. This is crucial for a smooth filling! Then, we’ll add three-quarters of a cup of granulated sugar, two large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature too, it helps them blend better!), and a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that classic cheesecake flavor.

Graham Cracker Crust Essentials

This crust is the foundation of our amazing cheesecake bars! You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs – I usually just crush up some graham crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, it’s super satisfying! Mix those crumbs with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until it all looks like wet sand. That’s your cue it’s ready to be pressed into the pan!

Creamy Cheesecake Filling Components

The magic really happens with these ingredients for the filling. You absolutely need 16 ounces of cream cheese that’s been softened – I can’t stress this enough! It makes all the difference for that super smooth, lump-free texture. We’ll also use 3/4 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness, two large eggs to give it structure, and a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to make it taste like, well, classic cheesecake! Make sure your eggs are at room temperature, too; they’ll incorporate much better.

Crafting Your Perfect Cheesecake Bars

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making these cheesecake bars is easier than you think, and the results are just SO worth it. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This is your secret weapon for easy cleanup and getting those bars out perfectly! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

Now, for that glorious crust! In a medium bowl, mix your graham cracker crumbs with the 1/4 cup of sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir it all up until it looks like wet sand. This is the point where you press it all evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Get it nice and snug! Pop that into your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. Then, take it out and let it cool down a bit while you make the filling.

Creating the Smooth Cheesecake Filling

This is where the real magic happens! Grab a big bowl and beat your softened cream cheese and the 3/4 cup of sugar together. You want it super smooth, no lumps allowed! Then, add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Don’t overmix, just make sure they’re incorporated. Finally, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract. It should be a beautiful, creamy, pale yellow mixture. So smooth, so dreamy!

Assembling and Baking the Cheesecake Bars

Now that your crust has cooled a bit, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour that luscious cream cheese filling right over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly so you have a nice, uniform layer. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and firm, but the very center should still have a slight jiggle to it. That’s how you know they’re perfectly baked!

Cooling and Chilling for the Best Cheesecake Bars

Okay, this next part is crucial for the BEST cheesecake bars, so don’t skip it! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Seriously, let them take their time. Once they’re totally cool, cover the pan and pop them into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is what makes them set up perfectly and gives you those clean, beautiful cuts when you slice them. Patience here really pays off for amazing cheesecake bars!

Tips for Unforgettable Cheesecake Bars

Want your cheesecake bars to be absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got you covered! A few little tricks make all the difference. Remember that cinnamon in the crust? It adds such a warm, cozy flavor, so don’t be afraid to try it! And if you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of fruit jam or some chocolate chips on top just before baking is *chef’s kiss*. These little touches elevate them from great to unforgettable!

Ensuring a Smooth Filling

The secret to a super smooth filling? Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened! If it’s cold, it’ll be lumpy. Leave it on the counter for at least an hour, or pop it in the microwave for just 15-20 second bursts, checking in between. It should be soft enough to easily leave an indent with your finger.

Perfecting Your Crust

When you’re pressing that graham cracker crust into the pan, use the bottom of a glass or a flat measuring cup. This helps pack it down really evenly, which means you won’t have gaps or thin spots. You want it to be a nice, solid layer before it goes into the oven for that perfect golden-brown color!

Serving and Storing Your Cheesecake Bars

Once these beauties are all chilled and set, it’s time for the best part! For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice. You’ll get perfect, neat cheesecake bars every time. They’re amazing served just as they are, but a little fresh berry sauce or a dollop of whipped cream never hurt anyone! To store them, keep them tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They taste even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesecake Bars

Got questions about these delightful cheesecake bars? I’ve got answers! People always ask me how to get them *just right*, and it’s usually pretty simple stuff. Here are a few of the most common ones I hear:

Q1. Can I make these cheesecake bars without a graham cracker crust?
You totally could, but honestly, the graham cracker crust is a big part of what makes these so classic and delicious! If you absolutely can’t do graham crackers, you could try a shortbread cookie crust or even a simple oat crust. But for the best, easiest cheesecake bars, stick with those crumbs!

Q2. Why are my cheesecake bars cracking on top?
Oh, the dreaded crack! Usually, it’s because the oven was too hot, or you over-baked them. For these easy cheesecake bars, we want the edges set and the center just slightly jiggly. Also, make sure your cream cheese and eggs were at room temperature – that helps everything bake evenly and prevents cracking. Don’t worry too much if they do crack a little, though; they’ll still taste amazing!

Q3. How do I get a super smooth, creamy filling for my cheesecake bars?
The absolute biggest tip is to make sure your cream cheese is fully softened! Seriously, leave it out for at least an hour. Then, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until it’s perfectly smooth *before* you add the eggs. Adding the eggs one at a time and mixing just until combined also helps keep everything from getting overworked and lumpy. It’s the key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cheesecake Bars

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can vary a bit based on your ingredients and exact portion size. But for these delightful cheesecake bars, you’re looking at roughly 250 calories per serving. That includes about 15g of fat (9g saturated), 4g of protein, 25g of carbohydrates, and a good 20g of sugar. They’re a delicious treat!

Dreamy Cheesecake Bars: Pure Bliss in 25 Mins

Author: feeltasty
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easy and delicious cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust and creamy filling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a richer crust, add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the graham cracker mixture.
You can add toppings like fruit or chocolate chips after pouring the cream cheese filling.
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cheesecake bars, easy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, no-bake cheesecake, dessert bars, simple dessert