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Cheesecake Bars

Quick and easy cheesecake bars that are perfect for any occasion, featuring a creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8-ounce each)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional) for added zing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish.
Baking the Crust
  1. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set.
Preparing the Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice until combined.
Assembling the Bars
  1. Pour your cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or Oreos. Try adding flavors like pumpkin puree or raspberry sauce for variations. Imperfections are a part of homemade goodness!