Smooth, creamy Cheesecake Bars are the quicker and more portable version of my well-loved cheesecake. My recipe includes a fudgy chocolate ganache topping to take these to the next level! Recipe includes a how-to video!
Simple & Easy Cheesecake Bars
If you’re a fan of my classic cheesecake, you’re going to love these perfectly portable cheesecake bars! They bake in a fraction of the time a regular cheesecake takes, and they’re much more approachable. I make these so often at home that I felt they deserved their own post.
As with all of my cheesecake recipes, this one is perfectly sweet and requires no water bath (yay!). My crisp graham cracker crust is the perfect buttery and sturdy base for the creamy, smooth cheesecake filling. I like to top my cheesecake bars with fudgy chocolate ganache for a truly heavenly bite, and I highly recommend you do the same.
I love this recipe because it’s:
- Simple to make, but everyone is still impressed because…it’s cheesecake!
- Easily individually portioned
- Less fussy than a traditional cheesecake (and cracks aren’t as big of a concern)
- Easy to dress up with a ganache topping
- Uses my graham cracker crust, but would work with my Oreo crust too!
What You Need
Compared to my traditional cheesecake recipe, today’s ingredients are slightly scaled down so the bars can be handheld and enjoyed without a fork. Here’s what you need:
- Light brown sugar. I love using brown sugar in my graham cracker crust! Even though it’s a small amount, it still imparts a slightly richer depth of flavor than granulated sugar would.
- Softened cream cheese. It is SO important that you use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. This is the only type of cream cheese I recommend for my cheesecake recipes; if you use any other kind, you risk your cheesecake being runny or never fully setting up.
- Sour cream. This is essential for that classic cheesecake flavor! Full-fat, plain Greek yogurt would also work in a pinch.
- Room temperature eggs. Really, all of your ingredients should be room temperature, but especially your eggs. This will help them incorporate easier without you having to excessively beat them (which can cause cracks!).
- Chocolate. I prefer to use a high quality chocolate for my ganache topping, like callets or couverture chocolate. Chocolate chips can work in a pinch, but they’re my least favorite option.
SAM’S TIP: With cheesecake bars (especially these topped with ganache) cracks aren’t as big of a concern because they’ll be cut into squares and covered with chocolate. However, lining the pan with foil or parchment paper so it goes up the sides of the pan and can constrict with the cheesecake as it cools will work wonders for preventing cracks.
If you’ve been around here a bit you’ll recognize that the base recipe and technique is used in a number of my cheesecake recipes, from my lemon cheesecake to mini cheesecakes, chocolate cheesecake, and beyond! It’s because it works and produces flawless results.
How to Make Cheesecake Bars
- Combine the graham cracker crust ingredients and press the mixture into a lined pan.
- Beat together the sugar and cream cheese until it’s smooth and well combined, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until just combined after each addition.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then chill for 5-6 hours.
- Heat the cream until it simmers, then it pour over your chopped chocolate and let this sit for 5 minutes undisturbed.
- Whisk the ganache until it’s smooth, then pour it over your chilled cheesecake. Let the ganache set in the fridge before cutting and serving.
SAM’S TIP: For the best texture, try to avoid overbeating your eggs and definitely do not over-bake the cheesecake. Either of these errors will produce a cheesecake with a mealy, curdled texture instead of a smooth, creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Like any cheesecake, these bars absolutely need to be refrigerated.
Definitely! Because the bars need to chill for 6+ hours (or more preferably, overnight), they’re perfect for making in advance. After that, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.
I personally love the chocolate ganache topping, but you could really use any cheesecake topping, like caramel sauce, blueberry sauce, strawberry sauce, lemon curd, or whipped cream. Some of these options will be a little messier than others and could take these from handheld bars to a plate and fork situation–but that doesn’t mean they won’t be delicious!
To get clean slices like I have in my photos, wipe down your knife between each cut. I know it seems tedious, but it makes all the difference!
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar firmly packed
- 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese softened (use brick-style full-fat cream cheese)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs room temperature preferred
Ganache (optional)
- 4 oz (113 g) semisweet or dark chocolate finely chopped (may substitute chocolate chips, no chopping needed)
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
Recommended Equipment
- 9” square baking pan
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and line a 9×9” baking pan with parchment paper or foil (optional). Set aside.
- Stir together graham cracker crumbs and sugars until combined.1 ½ cups (170 g) graham cracker crumbs, 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- Add melted butter and stir until all crumbs are moistened.7 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- Press crumbs evenly into the bottom of prepared baking pan and set aside (no need to pre-bake before adding cheesecake batter).
Cheesecake
- Combine cream cheese and sugar in large mixing bowl (or in bowl of stand mixer) and use an electric mixer (or paddle attachment on mixer) to beat on medium-speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract and stir on low-speed until combined.½ cup (120 g) sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lightly beat one egg with a fork then add it to the cheesecake batter and stir on low-speed until just-combined. Repeat with remaining eggs. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.3 large eggs
- Pour batter evenly over graham cracker crust in prepared baking pan.
- Transfer to the center rack of 325F (165C) preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until cheesecake is almost set (the center will still have some jiggle but will mostly be set, the edges may have puffed a bit, and if you lightly touch the center with your finger it should spring back to the touch).
- Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature then transfer to refrigerator to chill completely, at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight.
- After cheesecake has completely chilled, top with chocolate ganache if desired.
Ganache
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour cream into small saucepan and heat over medium heat. As soon as you see the cream beginning to simmer, remove from heat and pour evenly over chocolate. Do not stir, just cover the bowl with foil and allow to sit for 5 minutes undisturbed.4 oz (113 g) semisweet or dark chocolate, ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
- Remove foil and gently whisk ingredients together until chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
- Pour evenly over cheesecake bars, using a spatula to smooth if necessary. Transfer to refrigerator until ganache has set (about 15-20 minutes) then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cheesecake bars may also be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.Chocolate version
See my recipe for chocolate cheesecake barsMini cheesecakes
See my recipe for mini cheesecakesNutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Diane
Can you use milk chocolate instead of semi sweet?
Sam
Hi Diane! It will certainly be a bit sweeter, but it will turn out. 🙂
Paul
Thank-you for this great recipe, it’s a winner. I used it to make my first ever cheesecake and served it for dessert when I had family for dinner. My dad asked for a second helping and his wife asked me for the recipe. Like I said, it’s a winner.
Next, I plan to introduce it to our après-ski get togethers this coming ski season.
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it so much, Paul! 🙂
Erika
I’ve made this recipe more than a dozen times… to say it’s amazing is an understatement!!! Thank you for sharing♥️
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We are so happy you love the bars, Erika! Thanks for the review 💜
Sam T
These look terrific! Could the recipe be doubled and cooked in a 9×13 pan? Would anything change?
Sam
Hi Sam! You would need to increase the recipe by 50% to get the same thickness. You could potentially double it, but make sure not to overfill your pan. Your bake time will be extended but I’m not sure what that bake time would be, just be sure to keep an eye on it. 🙂
Megan
This was a hit! I had to make 2 cheesecakes for family and friends for camping for Memorial weekend, but I was nervous since I never made cheesecake bars before. I’ve only made the regular cake ones, but I’m glad to say that they liked it and think I will be making this from now on! So much easier, less messy, and less to clean up! Thanks for the amazing recipe!
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much, Megan! 🙂
Theresa Minardi
Perfect! Smooth rich delightful. Recipe was not changed except a little more chocolate topping. My preference.
Thank you for your recipes.!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
You can’t go wrong with extra chocolate 🥰 Enjoy, Theresa!
Joanne Fabiano
Great recipe! I added lemon curd.
My friends were so impressed!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
So glad everyone enjoyed, Joanne! We love the lemon curd addition 🥰
Amie
This recipe makes such a creamy cheesecake, it’s absolutely perfect!! This will be our only cheesecake recipe from now on! Thank you!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so glad it was a hit, Amie! Thanks for the review 🥰
Kristen
Do you know (or has anyone else tried it?) if gluten free graham crackers would work for the crust instead?
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Kristen! We haven’t tried this recipe with gluten free graham crackers, so we can’t say for sure how they would work here 🙁
Kristeb
Thanks, Emily! Maybe I’ll just give it a try and report back!
I have another question regarding couverture chocolate. Which kind does Sam use in this recipe? What brand and percentage? And where does she get it from? (She doesn’t have a blog post about couverture that I’m missing does she?) Thanks!
Sam
Hi Kristen! Definitely let me know how it works out if you give it a try! This is the exact couverture chocolate I use (and I order it through Amazon, too). I’ve been using it for a while now and am very happy with it. I hope that helps! I don’t currently have a post about couverture chocolate, but I’m working on one about how to temper chocolate where I will cover this topic in a bit of detail.
Kristen
Sorry for so many questions! – If I used the Callebaut couverture that you linked to, do I have to temper it first or do I just follow your recipe instructions as-is? Thank you!
Sam
Just the recipe instructions as-is. Enjoy! 🙂
Lauren
What kind of knife do you use to cut these? That was my only challenge.. making the bars look like clean cuts without the chocolate cracking or coming off the top.
Sam
Hi Lauren! I just use a large sharp, non-serrated knife. You can also run the blade under very hot water until the knife is warm, dry it off, then make your cuts. sometimes this causes the chocolate to smear a bit but it makes the cuts pretty nice and neat. Then always wipe your knife between cuts. I hope that helps!
Lee A
Wow! This was delicious! The whole family loved it! I will be making this again. Thank you for the recipe!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy it was a hit for your family, Lee! Thanks for coming back to leave a review ❤️
Deb
Great texture and presentation. Super sweet. Have you tried decreasing the sugar? I am going to add a strawberry slice to the top to counter the sweetness a little. This could be me as this is my first dessert in a while. Thanks
Sam
Hi Deb! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I have not tried reducing the sugar, but I think you could reduce it a little bit. 🙂
Kim
These bars were delicious! I had some leftover ganache and wasn’t sure what to use it for, but then I saw this recipe 🙂
So much easier than making a cheesecake in a springform pan. The texture was spot on, so make sure to follow the instructions closely to avoid over mixing.
Random question… where do you get the blue spatulas from that I see in all of your videos? I love the color!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Kim! It really is much easier! You can find the spatulas I use here on Amazon 🙂
Katie
Is there an option for a 9×13 pan cooking option?
Sam
Hi Katie! You’d have to increase the recipe by 50% to get enough to fill a 9 x 13. I’m not sure on the bake time so just keep an eye on it. 🙂
Jody
I want to make these but I only have an 8″ square pan and you specify 9″. Would it still work or do I need to alter the ingredients for an 8″ pan?
Sam
Hi Jody! It may just take another minute or two in the oven. Make sure you don’t overfill your pan. 🙂
Rose
Another huge hit! 👏 I screwed up the recipe because I didn’t have enough cream cheese and it didn’t even matter the recipe was so forgiving and everyone loved them! I plan to make it again tomorrow with the correct amount. I did swirl some dulce de Leche in with the chocolate before it hardened up. Maybe I’ll add some nuts next time to make it like a turtle cheesecake bar. Mmm either way delish as always, Sam! Thanks for sharing these with us!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Rose! 🙂
Amy
Can this be made in a 9×13 dish? I’d like to make small cheesecake bites to add to milkshakes or sundaes.
Sam
Hi Amy! They’d be pretty thin if you don’t increase the recipe, but it will work. 🙂
Lillian Vazquez
I was so nervous but excited. My friend sent me the recipe and we made it together over zoom. It was so delicious and easier made with an amazing baker as you. Thank you.
Tom
Thank you for sharing your recipe – this was spot-on delicious! Made these 3 times already. I did add 1-tsp of espresso powder to the ganache and pressed ground walnuts to the top to give it that crunchy bump. I’m the only one in my house with a sweet tooth (yay more for me) but these cheesecake bars were gone in 2 days!. These freeze very well and strangely taste even better not completely thawed with a bit of frostiness. These go soooooo well with a glass of ice cold milk!!
Sam
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed them so much, Tom! 🙂