Velvety Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Heavenly Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Snack Magic

Decadent and creamy, these philadelphia cheesecake bars melt in your mouth with every single bite.

Smooth cream cheese creates a luscious texture that dances across your palate.

The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the silky filling.

Rich and indulgent, these bars promise a dessert experience that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll love how simple these bars are to whip up in your own kitchen.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create a dessert that’ll become an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars: Ingredients Spotlight

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, buttery foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cheesecake base flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold its shape and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that delivers a smooth, tangy, and creamy base for the classic cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds essential sweetness to the filling.
  • Sour Cream: Brings extra moisture and a subtle tang that makes the cheesecake incredibly rich and velvety.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dessert's complexity.
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent that helps the cheesecake set and creates a silky, stable structure.
For Topping and Garnish:
  • Strawberries: Provide a fresh, vibrant fruity layer with natural sweetness and beautiful color.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry sauce and creates a glossy, perfect consistency.
  • Water: Helps create the right liquid base for the strawberry topping.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Offers a sweet, creamy drizzle that adds elegance and extra indulgence to the bars.

Tools for the BEST Cheesecake Bars Ever

  • 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized cheesecake bars.
  • Parchment paper: Helps easily remove bars from the pan without sticking.
  • Baking spray: Ensures smooth release of bars from parchment.
  • Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing graham cracker crust.
  • Large bowl: Ideal for preparing smooth cream cheese filling.
  • Electric mixer: Helps blend cream cheese mixture until silky and lump-free.
  • Saucepan: Necessary for cooking strawberry topping to perfect consistency.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting white chocolate chips.
  • Sharp knife: Helps cut clean, precise bars for serving.

No-Fail Cheesecake Bars Directions

  • Crust Foundation

Blend graham cracker crumbs with butter and sugar, creating a smooth, compact base that will hold the creamy filling perfectly. Press mixture firmly into parchment-lined baking pan, ensuring an even layer that will serve as the delicious foundation.

  • Cheesecake Filling

Whip cream cheese with soft, silky ingredients until perfectly smooth. Gently incorporate eggs, mixing just enough to create a luxurious, velvety texture that will transform into a dreamy dessert centerpiece.

  • Baking Process

Slide pan into preheated oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake until edges are set but center remains slightly jiggly. This delicate balance ensures a creamy, decadent result that will melt in your mouth.

  • Cooling Transformation

Let cheesecake rest at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours. This crucial waiting period allows flavors to meld and texture to become perfectly dense and creamy.

  • Strawberry Topping

Create a vibrant strawberry sauce by simmering fresh berries with sweet and tangy ingredients. Cook until the mixture thickens into a glossy, ruby-red topping that will add a burst of fruity flavor.

  • Final Flourish

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled cheesecake, creating an elegant finishing touch. Slice into perfect squares and serve this show-stopping dessert that promises to delight every single bite.

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars: Recipe Tips

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass for a compact, stable base.
  • Avoid overmixing eggs and bake cheesecake bars in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create humidity and prevent surface cracks.
  • Replace strawberry topping with other fruit compotes like blueberry, raspberry, or peach for delightful flavor variations that complement the creamy cheesecake base.
  • Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and making them perfect for advance party preparation.

Serving Up Cheesecake Bars Like a Bakery

  • Serve Alongside Delightful Companions
  • Pair these creamy cheesecake bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that will make taste buds dance.
  • Garnish with Fresh Flavor Boosters
  • Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves or add a handful of sliced almonds on top to create extra texture and elevate the visual appeal of your strawberry cheesecake bars.
  • Create a Stunning Dessert Presentation
  • Arrange the bars on a beautiful white serving platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that transforms this simple treat into a sophisticated dessert.
  • Enjoy Chilled Perfection
  • Keep the bars refrigerated until just before serving to maintain their creamy consistency and ensure the strawberry topping stays perfectly set and glossy.

Storing Cheesecake Bars to Keep Them Fresh

  • Refrigerate with Care: Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for a make-ahead dessert treat.
  • Quick Thawing Technique: Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to defrost slowly and maintain their creamy texture.
  • Serving Smart: Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their rich, smooth flavor profile.
Print
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Velvety Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Velvety Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy Philadelphia cheesecake bars blend classic dessert charm with convenient snacking. Rich cream cheese filling nestles atop a buttery graham cracker base, promising delightful indulgence for dessert enthusiasts who savor smooth, tangy flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly spraying with baking spray.
  2. Crust Formation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the pan’s bottom to create a solid foundation.
  3. Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Incorporate eggs gently, mixing until just combined.
  4. Baking Process: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, ensuring uniform coverage. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly wobbly.
  5. Cooling and Chilling: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for 4 hours to achieve optimal texture and firmness.
  6. Strawberry Topping Preparation: Combine strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Cool to room temperature.
  7. Topping and Decoration: Spread the cooled strawberry sauce across the chilled cheesecake. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning. Drizzle melted white chocolate artistically over the strawberry topping.
  8. Serving: Cut into neat squares and serve chilled for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve a luxurious, firm texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Prevent Cracking Technique: Avoid overmixing eggs and gently incorporate them to maintain a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
  • Topping Temperature Trick: Allow the strawberry sauce to cool completely before spreading to prevent soggy or runny layers.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Mastery: Melt white chocolate in short microwave intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure a silky-smooth drizzle.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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