Here’s a simple and indulgent recipe for Cream Cheese Bars—soft, creamy, and perfect for dessert or a sweet snack! 🧀🍰
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
- Fruit preserves or fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Make the crust:
- Mix flour, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly.
- Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour cream cheese filling over the baked crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
- Cool and serve:
- Let bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with fruit before cutting into squares.
💡 Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the filling.
- Swirl in some fruit jam before baking for a marbled effect.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days—they taste even better chilled!
If you like, I can also give a no-bake version that’s creamy and ready in 30 minutes with just a fridge chill.
Do you want me to give that version too?
