Description
These Ultimate Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious homemade strawberry sauce and drizzled with white chocolate. Perfect as a delightful snack or dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and deliver a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11-12 full crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) pkgs 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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan with a parchment sling, then spray the parchment with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a flat measuring cup or tamper to form an even crust layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract using hand beaters on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Scrape the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the filling creamy.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the center is nearly set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours to fully set.
- Make Strawberry Sauce: While bars bake, combine strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and turns deep red, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Slice Bars: Once the cheesecake bars are chilled and set, use a large sharp knife to slice them into 8-10 even bars.
- Add Strawberry Sauce: Spoon or spread the cooled strawberry sauce generously over each bar, pushing it towards the edges. For original Philadelphia Snack Bar style, create a small well in the center before adding sauce (see notes).
- Melt White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to a zipper bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner for drizzling.
- Decorate and Serve: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the strawberry-topped bars. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- To create the original Philadelphia Snack Bar style, after slicing the bars, use a spoon to press a shallow well into the center of each bar before adding the strawberry sauce. This helps the sauce stay contained for a neat presentation.
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to ensure a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling.
- Allow the bars to chill fully in the refrigerator to achieve the best texture and easy slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
