Great photo! It looks like a thick, creamy cheesecake with a firm crust—very likely a New York-style cheesecake bar. Here’s a full, detailed recipe with everything you asked for, from its rich history to nutritional info and even why cheesecake has so many devoted fans.
New York-Style Cheesecake Bars: A Rich and Creamy Classic
Introduction
Cheesecake has been a beloved dessert for centuries, but few varieties are as rich, velvety, and satisfying as the New York-style cheesecake. This recipe transforms that classic into neat, shareable cheesecake bars—perfect for gatherings, gifting, or indulging solo. With a crisp cookie crust and dense, creamy filling, it’s a balance of texture and taste that will win anyone over.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cheesecake filling:
- 32 oz (4 packages) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest (if using), and flour until well incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined—do not overbeat.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in the center of the oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
- Remove and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars.
Formation
These cheesecake bars form a neat, structured shape due to the thick crust and dense filling. The clean edges and creamy layers make them visually appealing and perfect for events.
History of New York Cheesecake
Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, but New York-style cheesecake was popularized in the 1900s by Jewish-American delis. The secret lies in the extra cream cheese and minimal ingredients—giving it its iconic richness without any toppings or fancy swirls.
Health Benefits
While cheesecake is a dessert, it does offer:
- Calcium from cream cheese and sour cream
- Protein from eggs and dairy
- A source of energy from carbs and healthy fats
In moderation, it’s a satisfying treat that delivers both comfort and delight.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, yields 12 bars)
- Calories: ~390
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
- Calcium: 10% DV
Conclusion
New York-style cheesecake bars are a timeless classic reimagined in bar form—easy to cut, serve, and love. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving something luxurious, this recipe never fails to impress.
Lovers of Cheesecake
Cheesecake fans are everywhere—from classic vanilla purists to those who love fruity or chocolatey twists. These bars cater to everyone and can easily be adapted with swirls, sauces, or toppings.
Final Thoughts
With its smooth texture, nostalgic flavor, and satisfying crunch, this cheesecake bar recipe is more than dessert—it’s an experience. Share it with someone you love or savor it slowly on your own. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
Would you like me to turn this into a printable recipe card or add a flavored version like raspberry swirl or chocolate ganache top?