Easy Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These Easy Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a thick, creamy cheesecake filling. Made in a simple square pan with no water bath required, they're the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties, holidays, and everyday cravings.

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword cheesecake bars

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Cool and Chill Time 5

Total Time 5 55

Servings bars

Calories 308kcal

Author Jesseca

Ingredients

Crust

13 graham cracker sheets
6 tablespoons salted butter melted

Filling

24 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup sour cream
3 large eggs room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal if desired.
Place the graham crackers in a food processor or blender and pulse until fine crumbs form.
Stir the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until evenly moistened.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 8 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Mix in the sour cream, vanilla, and salt until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
Pour the filling over the crust and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the warm oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Video

Notes

For the smoothest filling, make sure the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature.
Do not overmix once the eggs are added.
The bars will continue to set as they cool and chill.
For clean slices, chill overnight and wipe your knife clean between cuts.
Top with salted caramel, fresh berries, chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or whipped cream before serving.

Nutrition