Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars

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Here’s a complete and detailed recipe for Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars, enriched with introduction, history, benefits, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, methods, nutrition, and even a section for cheesecake lovers. 🍰

Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

Cheesecake is one of the world’s most beloved desserts, and when baked into bars, it becomes portable, easy to share, and delightfully simple to prepare. Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars are a lighter version of the traditional cheesecake but still rich, creamy, and decadent. They feature a buttery crust and a velvety smooth filling that’s baked to perfection. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just as a sweet treat with coffee, these bars deliver the comforting flavor of cheesecake in a convenient square form.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (675 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for stability)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Fruit compote or jam
  • Chocolate drizzle or caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan, lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
  3. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, flour, and lemon juice until just combined. Do not overmix (to avoid cracks).
  4. Pour mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  2. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes (this prevents sudden cooling and cracks).
  3. Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into bars.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  • Lift cheesecake out of the pan using parchment paper.
  • Cut into bars with a sharp knife (clean between cuts for neat edges).
  • Garnish with fruit, sauces, or whipped cream.

Methods

  • Baking Method: Ensures a firm but fluffy texture.
  • Water Bath Method (Optional): For extra creaminess, place the baking pan in a larger pan filled with 1 inch of hot water. This prevents cracks and keeps the cheesecake ultra-smooth.
  • Chilling Method: The refrigeration step is essential to allow the cheesecake to set properly before slicing.

History

Cheesecake has ancient origins, dating back to Greek civilization, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games. The modern baked version evolved in New York in the early 1900s when cream cheese became popular. Cheesecake bars, however, are a more recent innovation—likely introduced in the mid-20th century as a way to make cheesecake easier to serve at parties and potlucks.

Benefits

  1. Portion Control – Easier to serve than whole cheesecake.
  2. Versatile – Can be topped with fruit, chocolate, or nuts.
  3. Portable – Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, and gatherings.
  4. Rich in Protein & Calcium – Thanks to cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream.
  5. Mood Booster – Creamy desserts like cheesecake often trigger comfort and happiness.

Formation

The cheesecake bars are formed in layers:

  1. Base Layer – A crumbly graham cracker crust that adds crunch and structure.
  2. Middle Layer – Fluffy cream cheese filling, lightly sweetened and baked until smooth.
  3. Top Layer – Optional garnishes like berries or chocolate.

Nutrition (per bar, approx. based on 16 servings)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Sugars: 17 g
  • Fat: 18 g (10 g saturated)
  • Calcium: 10% DV
  • Fiber: 1 g

Conclusion

Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars bring together the elegance of cheesecake and the practicality of finger food. Whether served plain or topped with decadent garnishes, they never fail to impress. With a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, they are ideal for any occasion.

For Cheesecake Lovers ❤️

Cheesecake lovers know the joy of a silky-smooth bite that melts in the mouth. These bars are dedicated to them—the enthusiasts who savor every layer, experiment with toppings, and find comfort in a classic dessert reimagined.

✨ Would you like me to also create a flavored variation of these bars (like strawberry swirl, chocolate marble, or pumpkin spice), so you can have multiple versions to try?

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