Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars
There’s something incredibly delightful about a classic cheesecake, but when you transform it into bars, it becomes even more enticing. These Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, and infused with the aromatic essence of real vanilla beans, making them a dessert that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for gatherings, these bars are easy to make, and their beautiful presentation will have everyone reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will have you dreaming of creamy, vanilla-infused goodness!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Simple and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
– The rich flavor of real vanilla beans elevates the traditional cheesecake experience.
– Perfectly portioned, making them easy to serve at parties or keep for yourself.
– A buttery graham cracker crust that adds the ideal crunch and flavor contrast to the creamy filling.
– These bars can be made ahead of time, saving you prep work on the day of your event.
What We’re Using
- Graham cracker crumbs – 3 cups, for a buttery and crunchy base.
- Sugar – 1 cup, to sweeten the crust and filling.
- Melted butter – 16 tablespoons (or 1 cup), to bind the crust.
- Cream cheese – 2 packages (16 ounces total), for a rich and creamy filling.
- Sour cream – 1 cup, to add creaminess and tanginess.
- Vanilla beans – the seeds from 2 beans, for that signature flavor.
- Eggs – 3 large, to help set the filling.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhancing the vanilla flavor.
Prep & Cook Tools
- 9×13 inch baking pan – for baking and serving the bars.
- Mixing bowls – for combining crust and filling ingredients.
- Electric mixer – to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
- Rubber spatula – for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Parchment paper – for easy removal of the bars from the pan.
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This allows for an even baking temperature for your cheesecake bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift out the bars once they are baked.
Step 3: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined, and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat until combined. Add the sour cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air. Once combined, your filling should be smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Pour the Filling
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Step 9: Cool and Chill
Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the bars to cool in the oven for about an hour before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars!
International Equivalents
- 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs – Approximately 300 grams.
- 1 cup of sugar – Approximately 200 grams.
- 16 tablespoons of butter – Approximately 227 grams.
- 2 packages of cream cheese – Approximately 450 grams.
Method to the Madness
Creating the perfect Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars is all about balance—the right amount of sweetness, the perfect creaminess, and a crust that holds it all together. By using real vanilla beans, you ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. The combination of cream cheese and sour cream gives the bars a rich texture, while the graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family gathering. They are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Prep Ahead & Store
These cheesecake bars can be prepared a day in advance, making them an ideal dessert for entertaining. Once cooled and chilled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars Q&A
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for vanilla beans. Use about 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for a similar flavor, but the specks of vanilla bean will be missing.
What can I serve with these cheesecake bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can enhance them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the crust.
Why do I need to cool the bars in the oven?
Cooling the bars in the oven helps prevent cracking by allowing them to set gradually. This step minimizes temperature shock, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
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The Takeaway
When it comes to desserts, few things can compete with the allure of a creamy, delicious cheesecake. These Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars bring together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With their easy preparation and elegant presentation, they’re bound to become your go-to dessert for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of these heavenly bars!
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Step 2: Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- Step 5: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, then the sour cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed.
- Step 7: Pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until set around the edges.
- Step 9: Cool in the oven for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Step 10: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
