The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, offering rich creaminess with a crisp graham cracker crust. Topped with a luscious strawberry sauce and drizzled white chocolate, these bars make for an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11-12 full crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
• 5 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal, then spray lightly with baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using a flat measuring cup or tamper to pack it evenly.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs and mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture creamy.
5. Step 5: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and bake for 25-35 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate in the pan for 3-4 hours until fully chilled.
6. Step 6: While the bars bake, prepare the strawberry sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the chopped strawberries, 5 tbsp sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and turns a deep red, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Step 7: Once the bars are chilled, use a large sharp knife to slice them into 8-10 even squares.
8. Step 8: Spoon or spread the strawberry sauce over each cheesecake bar, pushing it gently to the edges.
9. Step 9: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth. Transfer to a small zipper bag, cut a tiny corner, and drizzle over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For the original Philadelphia Snack Bar style, create a small well in the center of each bar before adding the strawberry sauce to hold the topping neatly.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor, or substitute with frozen berries, thawed and drained.
• If you prefer, swap the white chocolate drizzle for dark or milk chocolate to balance sweetness.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the fresh strawberry sauce, it’s best enjoyed within this time frame. Reheat slightly at room temperature if you prefer less chilled, but these bars are delicious served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld. Just add the strawberry sauce and white chocolate drizzle before serving for the freshest topping.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. This will still provide a creamy texture and slight tanginess to the filling.

The BEST Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars combine a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious homemade strawberry sauce and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfect as a decadent dessert or snack, they are easy to make and sure to impress.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

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

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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal, then lightly spray with baking spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a flat measuring cup or tamper to create an even layer.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, use hand beaters to beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can cause cracks.
5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours to fully set.
6. Make 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 turns a deep red color, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Slice Bars: Once the cheesecake bars have chilled, use a large, sharp knife to cut them into 8-10 even slices for serving.
8. Add Strawberry Sauce: Spoon or spread the cooled strawberry sauce generously over each cheesecake bar, pushing it to the edges. Optionally, create a small well in the center before adding the sauce for a traditional appearance.
9. Melt White Chocolate: Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second increments, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
10. Drizzle White Chocolate: Transfer the melted white chocolate to a zipper bag, snip a tiny hole in the corner, and drizzle over the assembled cheesecake bars for an elegant finishing touch. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
• Do not overmix the filling after adding eggs to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
• For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
• If you want the classic Philadelphia Snack Bar style, create a small well in the center of each cheesecake bar before adding the strawberry sauce.
• Ensure bars are fully chilled to set properly for best texture.

Keywords: Philadelphia cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, strawberry cheesecake bars, creamy dessert bars, white chocolate drizzle, graham cracker crust dessert