Cheesecake is a beloved dessert, but sometimes a full-sized cheesecake can be a bit much. Enter cheesecake bars – the perfect solution for satisfying your cheesecake cravings in a convenient, portion-controlled, and often easier-to-make format. These bars offer all the creamy, tangy goodness of traditional cheesecake with a buttery crust, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat. This recipe provides a straightforward guide to creating the best cheesecake bars, covering everything from ingredient options and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips, storage advice, and answers to common questions.

Ingredients & Substitutions:
The key to delicious cheesecake bars lies in using high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials and some substitution options:
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide the classic cheesecake crust base.
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted: This binds the crumbs together and adds richness.
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- For the Filling:
- 24 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened: This is the star of the show, providing the creamy, tangy flavor. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture.
- 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- 4 Large Eggs: These bind the filling and contribute to its smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.
- ½ cup Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and moisture to the filling.
Substitutions:
- Graham Crackers: You can substitute digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even Oreo cookies (without the filling) for a different crust flavor.
- Butter: Melted coconut oil can be used as a vegan substitute for butter in the crust.
- Cream Cheese: While not ideal, you can use Neufchatel cheese as a lower-fat alternative. However, the texture may be slightly less creamy.
- Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
Instructions:
Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect cheesecake bars:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the Crust (Optional but Recommended): For a crispier crust, bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. This helps prevent a soggy bottom. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air and cause the filling to crack.
- Add Vanilla and Sour Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
- Pour Filling over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cool Completely: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting into bars.
- Cut into Bars: Once thoroughly chilled, cut the cheesecake into bars. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.

SAM’S TIP:
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before beating it. This will prevent lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Slowly: The slow cooling process in the oven is crucial for preventing cracks. Don’t rush this step.
- Use a Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier and less prone-to-cracking cheesecake, you can bake the bars in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in, then place the pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts are all delicious options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Compared to a traditional cheesecake, these bars are much simpler to prepare.
- Perfect for Sharing: The bars are pre-portioned, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Creamy and Delicious: They offer all the rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture of classic cheesecake.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the flavor with different crusts, toppings, and flavor extracts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for entertaining.
FREEZING & STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Storing in the Refrigerator: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze cheesecake bars, cut them into individual bars and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why did my cheesecake crack? Cracking can be caused by overmixing the filling, baking at too high a temperature, or rapid temperature changes. Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps prevent this.
- My crust is soggy. What did I do wrong? Make sure you’re pressing the crust firmly into the pan and consider pre-baking it for a crispier base.
- Can I use a different size pan? Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will require a shorter baking time.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crumb substitute for the crust.
- Can I add flavorings to the filling? Absolutely! You can add lemon zest, chocolate chips, extracts like almond or peppermint, or even fruit purees to the filling for different flavor variations.
These cheesecake bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their creamy filling, buttery crust, and endless customization options, they are sure to become a new favorite dessert. Enjoy!
