Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a crave-worthy dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and perfect for sharing, these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) are about to become your new favorite treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious cream cheese filling, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet snack anytime. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) Recipe
- Super creamy texture thanks to Philadelphia cream cheese.
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for slicing into snack-sized portions.
- Versatile for any occasion—picnics, parties, or after-school treats.
- No need to fuss with a water bath or springform pan!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Ingredients for Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (2 packages) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add 2/3 cup sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium speed until well combined and silky.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing into bars.
Notes for Perfect Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for a lump-free filling.
- Allow your bars to chill thoroughly for clean, neat slices—overnight is best.
- For more on cheesecake baking basics, check out King Arthur Baking’s cheesecake tips.
Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) Variations
- Chocolate Swirl: Gently swirl in 2 oz melted semi-sweet chocolate before baking.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and zest to the filling for a bright, tangy twist.
- Berry Topping: Top cooled bars with a layer of your favorite berry jam or fresh mixed berries.
Required Equipment for Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Storage Instructions
Store your Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
These creamy cheesecake bars are delicious on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee, berry compote, or a drizzle of salted caramel. For parties, cut into bite-sized squares and serve chilled on a dessert platter.
Pro Tips for the Best Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
- Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift and slice the bars.
- Don’t overbake—center should be slightly wobbly when you remove from the oven.
- For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between slices. For more slicing tips, visit Simply Recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars)
- Can I make Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars (Snack Bars) ahead of time?
- Yes! These bars are best when chilled overnight, so you can make them the day before serving.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- You can, but full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese yields the creamiest, richest texture.
- How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
- The edges should look set and the center should jiggle slightly—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they chill. For more info, see Culinary Hill’s guide.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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2In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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3In a large bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth. Add 2/3 cup sugar and mix until combined.
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4Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
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5Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
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6Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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