🍰 Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars — Light, Creamy & Simply Irresistible!
If you’ve ever craved the creamy decadence of cheesecake but wanted something easier to serve and share, these Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars are the answer to your dessert dreams! 😍 Perfect for parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself — they combine the rich, velvety texture of classic cheesecake with the convenience of a handheld bar.
The best part? They’re baked to perfection, slightly golden on top, creamy in the center, and perfectly balanced between light and indulgent. One bite and you’ll fall in love! ❤️
🧈 Ingredients
For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup melted unsalted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream (for that creamy tang!)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional but adds a lovely freshness)
🍽️ Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, flour, vanilla, and lemon zest until fully combined and fluffy.
- Pour over crust: Spread the mixture evenly over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Don’t overbake — it will continue to set as it cools!
- Cool completely: Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture.
- Slice and serve: Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into even squares or bars.
🍓 Optional Toppings
✨ Fresh berries and a drizzle of honey
✨ Melted chocolate or caramel sauce
✨ Whipped cream and crushed nuts
✨ A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple elegant finish
💡 Tips for the Perfect Fluffy Cheesecake Bars
✔ Use room temperature ingredients — this makes the filling super smooth.
✔ Don’t skip the cooling and chilling time — that’s what gives cheesecake its rich, creamy texture.
✔ To slice cleanly, dip your knife in hot water, wipe, and cut — repeat between slices.
✔ Want extra flavor? Add a swirl of fruit jam or Nutella before baking!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser that always disappear fast! They’re:
✅ Creamy and light, not too sweet
✅ Easy to bake with simple ingredients
✅ Perfect for freezing and serving later
✅ Portable, mess-free, and easy to store
Whether you’re serving them at a birthday, holiday dinner, or casual get-together, they bring all the elegance of a cheesecake in a fun, shareable form.
📌 Storing & Freezing
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Once you try these Fluffy Baked Cheesecake Bars, you’ll never go back to store-bought desserts again! They’re light, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — a perfect combination of comfort and elegance.
If you make this recipe, comment below 👇 and tell everyone how it turned out!
Would you top yours with berries 🍓 or chocolate 🍫? Let’s see which team wins!