The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
Indulge in the creamy and decadent flavors of these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars, perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping, these bars are a delicious treat that is easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of flavors is irresistible, from the sweet graham cracker crust to the tangy cream cheese filling.
- These bars come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or meal prep.
- They are versatile and can be customized with different toppings or drizzles to suit your preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy base.
- Granulated sugar for sweetness.
- Butter for binding the crust together.
Cheesecake:
- Cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture.
- Sour cream for tanginess.
- Vanilla extract for flavor.
- Eggs for structure.
Strawberry Topping:
- Fresh strawberries for a fruity topping.
- Sugar for sweetness.
- Lemon juice for a hint of citrus.
- Cornstarch for thickening.
White Chocolate Drizzle:
- White chocolate chips for a decadent finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the crust mixture into a baking dish and bake until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and bake until set.
- Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry topping by cooking strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch until thickened.
- Once the cheesecake bars are cooled, spread the strawberry topping over the top.
- Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the bars.
- Chill the bars before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a smoother cheesecake filling, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Customize the topping with your favorite fruits or nuts.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamier texture.
- Allow the bars to chill for at least 4 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a cup of coffee for a delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Yes, feel free to use any fruit of your choice for the topping. - Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1 month. - Can I use a different type of chocolate for the drizzle?
Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate. - Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the creamy and delicious flavors of these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars for a sweet treat that will impress your friends and family. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out!
PrintThe BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars, topped with a sweet strawberry compote and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11-12 full crackers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoon butter, melted
Cheesecake
- 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, room temperature
Strawberry Topping
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 5 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
White Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pan and bake.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. Add eggs and mix until smooth. Pour over the crust and bake.
- Create the Strawberry Topping: Cook strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice until thickened. Stir in cornstarch slurry. Cool before topping the cheesecake bars.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars.
Notes
- For a twist, try using different fruits for the topping like blueberries or raspberries.
- Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the fridge before serving for a firmer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg