CHEESECAKE BARS RECIPE

Classic Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cheesecake bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending the creamy richness of a traditional cheesecake with the convenience of a bar format. This recipe, crafted by Tessa Arias, has received rave reviews and a perfect rating from many satisfied bakers. With a buttery graham cracker crust and an ultra-creamy, slightly tangy filling, these cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that can be topped with a variety of sauces or fresh fruits to suit any taste.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 18 graham crackers (270 grams)
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (170 grams)

For the Filling

• 32 ounces cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature (114 grams)
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Topping Options

• Chocolate ganache (use a 1:1 ratio of chocolate to cream)
• Salted caramel sauce
• Butterscotch sauce
• Fruit preserves
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit

Instructions

Make the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they are finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened and resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to ensure an even layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it becomes fragrant, about 10 minutes. If you are using a glass dish, it might take a bit longer. Once done, place the pan on a cooling rack to cool completely. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) for baking the filling.

Make the Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure an even mixture. This should take at least 1 minute.
2. Add Sour Cream and Eggs: Add the sour cream to the mixture and blend until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, blending after each addition until the mixture is smooth. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
3. Incorporate Flavors: Add the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt to the mixture, blending until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can incorporate too much air and affect the texture of the cheesecake.
4. Prepare for Baking: Spread the batter evenly over the cooled crust. Tap the pan against the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles.

Bake and Chill

1. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (165°C) until it is just set in the center and the edges are puffed and slightly cracked, about 40 to 45 minutes. Again, if you are using a glass dish, it may take a bit longer.
2. Cool the Cheesecake: Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the cheesecake cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set fully.
3. Slice and Serve: After the cheesecake has chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice the cheesecake into bars.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesecake bars are incredibly versatile and can be served plain or with a variety of toppings. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert:

1. Chocolate Ganache: A smooth and rich chocolate ganache can be made using equal parts chocolate and heavy cream. Melt together and pour over the chilled cheesecake bars for a decadent treat.
2. Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the bars for a sweet and salty contrast.
3. Butterscotch Sauce: Add a warm, buttery butterscotch sauce for a comforting flavor combination.
4. Fruit Preserves: Top the bars with your favorite fruit preserves or compotes, such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry, to add a fresh and fruity note.
5. Whipped Cream: Serve the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy complement.
6. Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or other seasonal fruits to add a burst of color and flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. If you want to make them even further in advance, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the bars to the refrigerator overnight.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps to create a smooth and creamy batter without lumps.
2. Don’t Over-Mix: When mixing the batter, be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
3. Even Baking: If you notice the edges of your cheesecake bars browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
4. Cooling Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to room temperature before refrigerating. Rapid temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack.
5. Clean Slicing: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This will help to prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the knife and ensure neat edges.