Creamy Baked Cheese Bars

 

Creamy Baked Cheese Bars: A Delightful Dessert Treat

Introduction

The image showcases creamy baked cheese bars, featuring a rich, golden-brown crust and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These cheese bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a deliciously creamy experience that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Layer:

2 cups cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated with the butter.

Press into Pan:

Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to press it down firmly.

Bake:

Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat Cream Cheese:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour Over Crust:

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Cool and Chill:

Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set properly.

Step 4: Serve

Slice and Serve:

Slice the bars into rectangles or squares and serve chilled. Optionally, you can top them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of caramel for added flavor.

Tips for Best Results

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.

Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Proper chilling ensures the bars are firm and easy to cut

Conclusion

Creamy baked cheese bars are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the tanginess of cream cheese with a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any dessert table, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.