Go Back
+ servings
The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars

The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars You'll Adore

These the BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are creamy, decadent, and effortlessly easy to make, perfect for any gathering or quiet night in.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Use whole crackers and blend them for finer crumbs.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Can substitute with a sugar alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Unsalted for better control over salt.
For the Filling
  • 16 oz Cream Cheese Ensure it's softened for easy mixing.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can replace with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Opt for pure extract for best taste.
  • 2 large Eggs At room temperature for optimal mixing.
For the Strawberry Topping
  • 1 cup Fresh Strawberries Can substitute with any seasonal berries.
  • 1/4 cup Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Water Use as needed for consistency.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed is preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Can substitute with arrowroot.
  • 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips Consider dark chocolate for a different taste.

Equipment

  • 9x9 or 8x8 inch pan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9 or 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, then eggs one at a time.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the center is set. Cool to room temperature.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours or overnight before slicing.
  6. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Slice the cheesecake into bars and top with strawberry sauce and melted white chocolate if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage without the topping.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!