The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars: A Creamy, Dreamy Dessert

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good cheesecake, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enjoy this classic dessert. These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are a fantastic option for those who want the deliciousness of cheesecake without the fuss of baking a whole cake. The inspiration for this recipe came from my desire to create a dessert that was both easy to make and perfect for sharing. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the optional strawberry topping and white chocolate drizzle is simply irresistible!

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly find pre-made cheesecake crusts and fillings at the store, there’s something special about making these cheesecake bars from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a batch of bars that are far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, making them yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create cheesecake bars that are rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The graham cracker crust should be buttery and crumbly, while the cheesecake filling should be smooth, tangy, and sweet. The optional strawberry topping adds a burst of fresh fruit flavor and a beautiful color, while the white chocolate drizzle adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in these delicious cheesecake bars:

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs provide a classic, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.  
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to bind the crust together.
• Melted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps to create a crumbly texture in the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star of the show, providing the cheesecake’s signature tangy and creamy flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and helps to create a creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake with its warm and sweet notes.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure to the cheesecake filling.

For the Strawberry Topping:

• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and a juicy texture that complements the cheesecake perfectly.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the strawberry topping.
• Water: Water helps to create a sauce with the strawberries and sugar.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and enhances their flavor.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the strawberry topping.  

For the White Chocolate Drizzle:

• White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips melt down to create a sweet and elegant drizzle over the strawberry topping.

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential tools to make these cheesecake bars:

• 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Handheld mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Small saucepan
• Wire rack

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

White Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray the parchment paper with baking spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
5. Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until firm.
6. Make the Strawberry Topping (Optional): While the cheesecake is baking and cooling, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
7. Assemble: Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the strawberry topping evenly over the top.
8. Make the White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the strawberry topping.
9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for another 30 minutes to allow the topping to set. Remove from the refrigerator and slice into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Troubleshooting

• Cheesecake cracking: To prevent cracks, avoid overbaking the cheesecake and let it cool slowly before refrigerating.
• Cheesecake sinking: Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to sink.
• Strawberry topping too runny: If the strawberry topping is too runny, you can add a bit more cornstarch to thicken it.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use graham cracker crumbs made from chocolate graham crackers.
• Feel free to add other flavorings to the cheesecake batter, such as lemon zest or chocolate swirls.
• If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained.  
• You can also omit the strawberry topping and white chocolate drizzle and enjoy the cheesecake bars plain.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of accompaniments. They pair well with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, picnics, or any special occasion.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: ~20g
• Cholesterol: ~100mg
• Sodium: ~200mg
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Protein: ~5g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25-35 minutes

Chill Time: 3-4 hours

Yields: 16 bars

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?

A: Yes, you can use a variety of crusts for these cheesecake bars, such as Oreo cookie crust, shortbread crust, or even a gluten-free crust.

Q: Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can bake the cheesecake bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the strawberry topping and white chocolate drizzle just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cheesecake bars. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping and serving.