Can I freeze cheesecake bars and how do I thaw them properly?

Yes, cheesecake bars freeze well both sliced and unsliced. After chilling them fully, place the bars on a baking sheet in the freezer until they are solid. Then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the bars to the refrigerator for a couple of hours if sliced, or 4 to 8 hours if left whole, allowing them to thaw gently and maintain texture.

What’s the best way to cut cheesecake bars without them crumbling?

For neat slices, use a large, sharp chef’s knife. Heat the knife blade under hot water, then dry it before cutting each slice. Wiping the blade clean between cuts prevents crumbs and filling from sticking, resulting in smooth edges. Lifting the bars out with parchment paper before cutting on a flat surface also helps preserve their shape.

Do cheesecake bars need to be refrigerated, and how long do they last in the fridge?

Cheesecake bars must be refrigerated to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Store them in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best texture, consume within this timeframe and keep them chilled until serving.

Can I substitute ingredients like sour cream or cookies in cheesecake bars?

Yes, full-fat plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream without affecting creaminess. For the crust, alternatives to graham crackers include digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or Biscoff cookies. Adjust the amount of butter slightly if using richer cookies like Biscoff to ensure the crust holds together properly.

Is a water bath necessary when baking cheesecake bars?

No, cheesecake bars bake quicker than traditional cheesecakes and don’t require a water bath. The recipe is designed to reduce cracking and produce a creamy texture without it. If cracks appear, toppings like ganache or fruit can easily cover imperfections.

Cheesecake Bars Made Easy: Rich, Creamy Dessert Recipe

Description

🍰 Enjoy the creamy richness of cheesecake bars, a perfect dessert for any occasion that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a satisfying tangy filling.
🔪 Easy to make and even easier to share, these bars offer all the flavors of cheesecake without the fuss of a water bath or springform pan.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
2 (8-ounce) packages full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt, at room temperature
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides.
2. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture holds together. Press into the pan’s bottom. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
3. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until creamy.
4. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing minimally between each.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges puff and the center is slightly wobbly.
6. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Lift bars using parchment and slice with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

🍮 Tip: Use a food processor to finely crush graham crackers for an even crust texture.
🥄 Tip: Adjust tartness by varying lemon juice to taste; substitute extracts to change flavors.
❄️ Tip: Freeze bars whole or sliced for convenience and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 235
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 157 mg
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 78 mg

Keywords: Cheesecake Bars, Creamy Bars, Easy Dessert, Rich Cheesecake