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The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling. Finished with a luscious homemade strawberry sauce and drizzled with white chocolate, this dessert combines classic flavors with a delightful texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11–12 full crackers)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter (melted)

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)

Strawberry Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
  • 5 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp cornstarch

Topping

  • ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating a sling on the sides for easier removal, and spray lightly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until fully combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using a flat measuring cup or tamper to create an even, compact crust layer.
  3. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Using hand beaters on medium speed, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Add Eggs Gently: Add the eggs to the cream cheese mixture and blend on low speed just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a creamy texture.
  5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the filling evenly over the crust. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours until room temperature, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours to fully set.
  6. Make the Strawberry Sauce: While the bars bake, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  7. Slice the Bars: Once chilled and set, carefully lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment sling. Slice into 8-10 even squares with a large, sharp knife.
  8. Add Strawberry Sauce: Spoon or spread the cooled strawberry sauce generously over each cheesecake bar, allowing it to reach the edges.
  9. Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a resealable plastic bag, snip a tiny piece from a corner, and drizzle the chocolate elegantly over the top of the bars.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Your delicious Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are now ready to serve. Enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert chilled.

Notes

  • To replicate the original Philadelphia Snack Bar style, you can create a small well or indentation in the center of each bar before adding the strawberry sauce for a layered look.
  • Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps and to achieve a smooth cheesecake batter.
  • Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to avoid a dry texture after chilling.
  • If strawberries are not in season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, thawed and drained well.

Keywords: cheesecake bars, strawberry cheesecake, Philadelphia cheesecake, dessert bars, creamy cheesecake, strawberry sauce, white chocolate drizzle

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/the-best-philadelphia-cheesecake-bars-recipe/