Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars

The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) are the perfect blend of creamy and delicious. Imagine biting into a sweet and slightly tangy cheesecake filling, all set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These wonderful snack bars are not only great for dessert but also ideal for quick snacking. Plus, you can whip them up in no time with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you want to treat yourself after a long day or impress your friends at a gathering, these cheesecake bars have got you covered. Let’s get started so you can savor each rich and delightful bite. Ready? Here’s how you can make The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) at home!

Why This Recipe Works

One reason you’ll love this recipe is the combination of creamy cheesecake and a buttery graham cracker crust. The texture is simply delightful, creating a perfect balance with each bite. Using fresh strawberries in a homemade sauce really enhances the flavor and freshness too. It brings a burst of sweetness that complements the cheesecake beautifully.

What’s more, the ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow. Anyone, regardless of skill level, can make these bars. So, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, you can succeed with this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)

Not only are these bars perfect for snacking, but they’re also incredibly easy to share. You can pack them for picnics or serve them at a family gathering. They celebrate the classic Philadelphia cheesecake flavor but without all the fuss that comes with a full cake.

These snack bars are also versatile. You can throw in creative toppings and variations to fit your mood or the occasion. Feel like mixing things up? Go for it! You really can’t go wrong with a recipe like this.

Ingredients List

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11-12 full crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sauce)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Preparing the Cheesecake Bars

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s essential to get the oven ready before you begin mixing. Then, line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Give it a quick spray with baking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

While the oven heats up, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of sugar, and the melted butter. Mix it together thoroughly. Once mixed, press this buttery mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using a flat measuring cup. This will form a delicious crust that holds everything together.

Blend the Cheesecake Filling

Next, take a large bowl and use hand beaters to blend the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed. Keep mixing until it becomes smooth, scraping down the sides periodically to ensure everything blends well.

Add the Eggs

Now, it’s time to gently incorporate the room temperature eggs. Shift to low speed and mix until just combined. Be careful here; overmixing can cause the filling to lose its lovely creamy texture.

Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the cheesecake filling over your crust. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the center feels nearly set but still has a slight jiggle. Let these bake and then cool them on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Once cooled, refrigerate them in the pan for about 3-4 hours for the best results.

Making the Strawberry Sauce

Cook the Strawberry Sauce

While your cheesecake bars are baking, you might want to prepare the delicious strawberry topping. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together the chopped strawberries, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and stir until it thickens and turns a deep red color. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Once ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Bars

Slice and Serve

After allowing the bars to cool completely, it’s time to slice them into 8-10 even portions. Generously spoon the homemade strawberry sauce over each bar; don’t forget to spread it to the edges for that beautiful presentation everyone loves.

Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional)

If you’re feeling fancy, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Drizzle the warm chocolate over the bars using a small zippered bag with a cut corner for precision.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with a few whipped cream dollops for an indulgent touch. You can serve fresh strawberries as a colorful side. Enjoying them with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon snack as well!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to prevent any lumps in your filling.
• Fresh strawberries truly make a difference in flavor for the sauce.
• Let the bars chill sufficiently for the best texture when you slice them.

Variations

Feeling creative? You can switch out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to explore different berry flavors. A fun twist would also be to add a swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce into the filling before baking. If you want a crunch, top with some crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

To keep your cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, just wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, but the texture may differ slightly.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! They hold up well in the fridge for about 5 days.

3. What can I use instead of strawberries?
Any fruit you enjoy can work, like blueberries, raspberries, or peach pieces.

4. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
Look for a set center that has a slight jiggle. Overbaking may lead to a dry texture.

5. Can I freeze cheesecake bars?
Yes, they freeze nicely when wrapped tightly and can thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

With these steps, The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) are sure to impress. Their creamy filling, buttery crust, and fruity topping are simply irresistible. Enjoy making these bars for yourself and sharing them with loved ones!

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