Quick & Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Dessert Bliss

Creamy Philadelphia cheesecake bars represent the ultimate indulgence for dessert enthusiasts seeking pure culinary bliss.

Sweet memories often revolve around classic desserts that comfort and delight our taste buds.

These delectable squares combine rich, smooth textures with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Soft, velvety layers promise an irresistible experience that crafts ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.

Dessert lovers understand the magic of crafting simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Homemade treats always carry a special warmth that store-bought options cannot replicate.

Crafting these bars requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love Philadelphia Cheesecake Snack Bars

• Craft Irresistible Layers: These cheesecake bars deliver incredible texture combinations with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant strawberry topping that creates a perfect bite every single time.
• Quick Dessert Magic: Prepare these bars in under an hour of active time, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings without complicated baking techniques.
• Customize Your Delight: The recipe offers versatile options like swapping strawberry topping with other fruits, adjusting sweetness levels, or experimenting with different chocolate drizzles to match personal taste preferences.
• No-Fuss Impressive Treat: Achieve professional-looking dessert bars with minimal cooking skills, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee a stunning result guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Ingredients for Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for cheesecake with a sweet, buttery foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances graham cracker flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and provides rich, smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese: Primary creamy component with classic tangy cheesecake flavor, best when at room temperature.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and helps create smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a lighter, more tender cheesecake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the cheesecake mixture.

• Strawberries: Fresh fruit topping with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Water: Helps create smooth strawberry sauce consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens strawberry flavor and adds slight acidity.
• Cornstarch: Thickens strawberry sauce and creates glossy texture.
• White Chocolate Chips: Decorative drizzle with sweet, creamy finish.

Steps to Make Cheesecake Snack Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Add eggs and mix gently until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Base

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for 4 hours to set completely.

Step 6: Craft the Strawberry Topping

• Strawberries
• Sugar
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

Spread the cooled strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle elegantly over the bars.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into bars and serve chilled. Delight in each creamy, fruity bite!

Tips for Creamy Cheesecake Bars

• Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
• Crust Pressing Trick: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to firmly and evenly press graham cracker mixture into the pan for a compact base.
• Egg Mixing Method: Gently fold eggs into the cream cheese mixture to prevent overmixing, which can cause cracks and a tough texture.
• Cooling Mastery: Allow cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain a clean, smooth surface.
• Topping Precision: Cook strawberry sauce until it reaches a thick, jam-like consistency for a vibrant, glossy finish that doesn't make the bars soggy.

How to Store Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate cheesecake bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Avoid freezing as the strawberry topping may become watery upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, remove bars from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. Gently separate bars with a sharp knife and plate individually for a clean presentation.

Great Pairings for Cheesecake Bars

• Craft Sweet Wine Harmony: Pair these creamy cheesecake bars with a chilled moscato or late harvest riesling to complement the rich, tangy dessert with gentle sweetness.
• Elevate Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth cold brew or a light cappuccino, which will balance the strawberry's brightness and cut through the cheesecake's creamy texture.
• Design Sparkling Contrast: Match with a crisp prosecco or champagne to create a delightful counterpoint between the bubbly drink's acidity and the dessert's smooth, decadent profile.
• Create Berry Beverage Boost: Enhance the strawberry notes by serving with a chilled strawberry-infused iced tea or a light rosé wine that echoes the fruit's delicate flavor.

Recipe Variations to Explore

• Berry Bliss Bars: Swap strawberries with a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant, tangy topping that adds colorful depth to the classic cheesecake bars.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed chocolate cookies and add a chocolate ganache drizzle instead of white chocolate for intense cocoa lovers.
• Citrus Sunshine Bars: Incorporate lemon zest into the cheesecake filling and top with a light, bright lemon curd instead of strawberry sauce for a refreshing citrus kick.
• Caramel Crunch Edition: Sprinkle crushed toffee bits over the white chocolate drizzle and drizzle with salted caramel sauce for a rich, indulgent variation that adds crunch and sweetness.

The Best Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars deliver classic New York bakery magic in portable form. Creamy cheesecake nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust creates irresistible squares perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Crust and Base:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor and Topping:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C). Arrange parchment paper inside an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan, lightly coating with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Craft the graham cracker foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Firmly press the mixture evenly across the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gently incorporate eggs, stirring until just integrated.
4. Carefully pour the luxurious cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring even distribution.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the center appears almost set but slightly jiggly.
6. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 hours to achieve optimal texture and firmness.
7. Prepare the strawberry topping by combining fresh strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Let the strawberry sauce cool to room temperature, ensuring it reaches a spreadable consistency.
9. Once the cheesecake has chilled, generously spread the cooled strawberry topping across the surface.
10. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring between each to prevent burning.
11. Drizzle the melted white chocolate in an artistic pattern over the strawberry-topped cheesecake.
12. Slice into neat squares and serve chilled for a delectable dessert experience.

Notes

• Prep in advance by allowing cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to integrate seamlessly into the cheesecake batter without overmixing.
• Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won’t crumble when serving.
• Cool cheesecake completely before adding strawberry topping to prevent soggy texture and maintain distinct layers.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect creamy, firm consistency that slices cleanly.
• Drizzle white chocolate when slightly cooled to prevent burning and create elegant, professional-looking bars.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg