Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
A graham cracker crust is a fundamental component of many desserts, including the cream cheese bars recipe. The ingredients needed to make a traditional graham cracker crust are relatively simple and can be easily found in most supermarkets.
The primary ingredient for making a graham cracker crust is graham crackers themselves. These crackers have a distinctive flavor and texture that sets them apart from other types of cookies or wafers. Graham crackers are made with graham flour, which contains a higher proportion of whole wheat than regular all-purpose flour.
To make a standard graham cracker crust, you will need 1 1/2 cups of graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs. The number of graham crackers needed can vary depending on the size and shape of the pan you plan to use for your cream cheese bars.
For a 9×9-inch baking dish or pan, you can use approximately 20-25 whole graham crackers. However, if you’re using a larger pan or want a thicker crust, you may need more graham crackers. It’s better to crush extra graham crackers and have them on hand just in case.
Another crucial ingredient for making a graham cracker crust is sugar. In most cases, you’ll be using granulated sugar, but brown sugar or even confectioner’s sugar can add a unique flavor dimension to your crust. For the cream cheese bars recipe, we recommend using 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
The third key ingredient in making a graham cracker crust is melted butter. Melted butter helps bind the crushed graham crackers together and gives them a crispy texture. For our cream cheese bars recipe, you’ll need approximately 5-6 tablespoons (about 2 1/4 ounces or 65g) of melted unsalted butter.
Optional ingredients to add extra flavor and nutrition to your graham cracker crust may include ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. These additions can enhance the aroma and taste of your cream cheese bars but are not essential components.
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
In order to make delicious cream cheese bars, it’s essential to start with the right ingredients, and that begins with the graham cracker crumbs.
Graham cracker crumbs are a staple in many baked goods, including cheesecakes, pies, and bars, like our cream cheese bars recipe. They provide a crunchy base for the filling and help to hold it together.
For this recipe, we recommend using 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs. You can make your own by crushing store-bought graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Alternatively, you can also use pre-made graham cracker crumbs found in most grocery stores.
When measuring out the graham cracker crumbs, it’s crucial to use the right amount. Too little, and your crust may not hold together properly. Too much, and you might end up with a dense or soggy base. The 1 1/2 cups specified in this recipe should provide an ideal balance for our cream cheese bars.
The flavor of graham cracker crumbs is sweet and slightly nutty, which complements the tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly. When baked into the crust, they add a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the smoothness of the cheesecake filling.
In addition to their delicious taste and crunchy texture, graham cracker crumbs also offer convenience. They’re easy to find in most grocery stores and require minimal preparation before using them in our cream cheese bars recipe.
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar is a type of refined sugar that has not been processed to any significant extent, giving it a coarser texture and a slightly brownish appearance compared to other forms of sugar such as powdered or caster sugar.
In the context of baking, granulated sugar plays a crucial role in adding sweetness and bulk to recipes while also helping to balance flavors and textures.
When using granulated sugar in the Cream Cheese Bars Recipe, it is essential to note that 1/4 cup represents a small but significant portion of the total ingredient list.
This amount of granulated sugar serves several purposes: first, it provides sweetness to counterbalance the savory flavor of the cream cheese; second, it adds structure and texture to the bars by dissolving during baking and contributing to their tenderness;
Lastly, granulated sugar helps to enhance the overall browning reaction in the recipe, resulting in a golden-brown crust on top of the bars.
In terms of substituting or omitting granulated sugar, it’s worth noting that while it provides essential sweetness and texture, other forms of sugar like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be used as alternatives depending on the desired flavor profile;
However, keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the overall balance of flavors and textures, potentially affecting the final result of your Cream Cheese Bars.
To achieve optimal results with granulated sugar in this recipe, ensure it is properly incorporated into the mixture by creaming it with the butter until light and fluffy before adding other ingredients;
Additionally, do not overmix the batter to avoid developing gluten in the flour, which may result in a dense or tough texture.
6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, melted
- The amount of unsalted butter required for this recipe is quite substantial, calling for no less than six tablespoons to be melted.
- This quantity of butter corresponds to a weight of 84 grams, which is roughly equivalent to two-thirds of an ounce per tablespoon.
- Melting the butter is essential in this process as it allows it to reach its liquid state, thereby becoming easier to mix with other ingredients and incorporating evenly into the recipe.
Cream Cheese Filling
The cream cheese filling in this Cream Cheese Bars recipe is a crucial component that sets these bars apart from other sweet treats. It’s made with a combination of softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
The key to making a great cream cheese filling is to use high-quality ingredients. Look for Philadelphia Cream Cheese or a similar brand that’s known for its smooth and creamy texture.
To make the cream cheese filling, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
The cream cheese filling should be light, fluffy, and slightly tangy. If it’s too thick, add a little bit of milk or heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little bit more cream cheese.
This cream cheese filling is the perfect complement to the shortbread crust and is sure to become your new go-to recipe for sweet treats.
12 ounces (340g) cream cheese, softened
The key to making delicious Cream Cheese Bars is to use high-quality ingredients, starting with the right type and amount of cream cheese.
In this recipe, we’re using 12 ounces (340g) of softened cream cheese. To ensure that your cream cheese is properly softened, take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to start mixing it with other ingredients.
Softened cream cheese has a smooth and creamy texture, which makes it perfect for blending with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. If your cream cheese is too cold, it won’t blend smoothly, resulting in a grainy or chunky mixture.
The next ingredient to focus on is the type of cream cheese itself. There are two main types of cream cheese available: regular (also known as American-style) and Neufchâtel or European-style. Regular cream cheese has a higher fat content and a milder flavor, making it ideal for baked goods like Cream Cheese Bars.
Neufchâtel cream cheese, on the other hand, is lower in fat and has a slightly tangier taste. While both types of cream cheese work well in baking, regular cream cheese provides the best results for this recipe due to its higher fat content and milder flavor.
When measuring out 12 ounces (340g) of softened cream cheese, use your digital kitchen scale or a measuring cup specifically designed for measuring liquids and dry ingredients. This will ensure that you get an accurate measurement every time.
Make sure to leave the cream cheese at room temperature until it’s ready to be used in the recipe. This will prevent any cold spots from affecting the mixing process, ensuring that your Cream Cheese Bars turn out light, fluffy, and deliciously creamy.
In summary, when using 12 ounces (340g) of softened cream cheese for this Cream Cheese Bars Recipe, choose regular cream cheese with a high fat content, make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature, and use the right measuring equipment to ensure accuracy every time.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar is a fundamental ingredient in many baked goods, including cream cheese bars. It serves as a primary sweetener and helps to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
In this recipe, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar is called for. This amount will contribute sweetness without overpowering the other flavors present in the dish. The use of granulated sugar also helps to promote browning and creates a rich flavor profile when combined with the butter and eggs.
The importance of using granulated sugar cannot be overstated, especially in desserts like cream cheese bars where it plays a critical role in balancing the flavors and textures. Granulated sugar is also easily accessible in most supermarkets and grocery stores, making it a convenient choice for home bakers.
When measuring out 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, it’s essential to use the correct type of sugar. Granulated sugar should be used, rather than confectioner’s or powdered sugar, which would alter the texture and flavor profile of the bars.
The consistency and texture of granulated sugar are also worth noting. It has a fine grain that dissolves quickly in liquid mixtures, making it an ideal choice for recipes where sweetness is needed but texture isn’t crucial.
2 large eggs
- When it comes to making delicious Cream Cheese Bars, having the right ingredients is crucial.
- The two large eggs are a fundamental component in this recipe, serving as a binder and providing moisture to the filling.
- Eggs are also an excellent emulsifier, meaning they can help combine oil and water-based ingredients together smoothly, creating a uniform texture.
- Using 2 large eggs will not only add richness but also contribute to the overall structure of the bars.
Here’s how eggs fit into the bigger picture:
- Eggs are added directly to the cream cheese mixture in step 3 of the recipe.
- The two eggs are beaten together with the cream cheese and sugar until well combined.
- This mixture is then spread evenly over the crust layer, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture throughout the bars.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The key to creating rich and flavorful cream cheese bars is using high-quality ingredients that complement the tangy taste of cream cheese.
Vanilla extract, in particular, plays a crucial role in balancing out the bold flavor of the cream cheese with its subtle sweetness and aromatic notes.
A single teaspoon of vanilla extract may seem like a small amount, but it can have a significant impact on the overall flavor profile of the bars.
Vanilla extract is typically made from the seed pods of the Vanilla planifolia orchid, which are hand-picked and cured to extract their essence.
The extraction process involves soaking the seed pods in hot water or ethanol to release their aromatic compounds, followed by filtration and concentration to produce a concentrated vanilla extract.
High-quality vanilla extract should have a rich, creamy aroma and a deep brown color, which indicates its high concentration of vanillin and other desirable compounds.
When using vanilla extract in the cream cheese bars recipe, it’s essential to note that the flavor will mellow out during baking, so you may want to add an extra pinch or two if you prefer a stronger vanilla taste.
Remember to use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla flavoring, as the latter can contain artificial additives and preservatives that can affect the overall quality of your bars.
The 1 teaspoon measurement is a standard amount used in many cream cheese bar recipes, but feel free to adjust it to suit your personal taste preferences or the specific requirements of your recipe variation.
Instructions
Pretreat and Bake the Graham Cracker Crust
- To ensure a smooth and successful baking experience for your Graham Cracker Crust, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Pretreat the Graham Cracker Crust
- This process involves preparing the crust for baking by creating a barrier to prevent it from becoming soggy or falling apart.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar until well combined. The mixture should be evenly distributed, with no lumps or clumps.
- Add in the melted butter and stir until it’s fully incorporated into the graham cracker mixture. You can use a fork to gently break down any remaining lumps.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish, using your hands or a spatula to evenly distribute the crust and create a flat surface.
Bake the Graham Cracker Crust
This step involves baking the crust in the oven until it’s lightly browned and set. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the crust to become brittle or break apart.
Bake the graham cracker crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch. You may notice a slight sheen on the surface – this is normal and indicates that the crust is set.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the graham cracker crust cool completely in the pan. This will help it to set and make it easier to handle when you’re assembling the bars.
Once the graham cracker crust has cooled, you can proceed with making the cream cheese filling and topping for your Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. Be sure to follow the recipe carefully and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure that your bars are perfectly baked and deliciously creamy!
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In order to create the perfect Cream Cheese Bars, it’s essential to follow a precise set of instructions, starting with preheating the oven to the correct temperature. This crucial step sets the stage for the entire baking process, ensuring that your dessert turns out light, fluffy, and infused with the right amount of sweetness.
The instruction, “Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C),” is a direct command that requires immediate attention from the cook. It’s not just a suggestion or an option; it’s a mandatory step that must be executed in order to achieve the desired outcome. The temperature specified is critical, as it affects the texture and consistency of the finished product.
Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) serves several purposes. Firstly, it ensures that the ingredients are cooked evenly, preventing hot spots and cold spots within the baking surface. Secondly, it accelerates the cooking process, allowing the Cream Cheese Bars to bake more quickly and efficiently. Finally, preheating the oven sets the stage for the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs when food is cooked, resulting in the formation of new flavor compounds and browning.
It’s worth noting that failing to follow this instruction accurately can have significant consequences on the final product. If the oven is not preheated to 350°F (175°C), the Cream Cheese Bars may not turn out as expected, potentially leading to a tough, dense, or undercooked texture. Therefore, it’s crucial to adhere strictly to the temperature specified in the recipe.
Furthermore, preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) also allows for the proper melting of the cream cheese and butter mixture, which is essential for creating a smooth and creamy texture. The heat from the oven helps to break down the fat molecules, resulting in a rich and velvety consistency that’s characteristic of high-quality Cream Cheese Bars.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
When it comes to following instructions, especially in a recipe like the Cream Cheese Bars recipe, attention to detail is crucial. The first step is to mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. This means that all three ingredients should be incorporated evenly, with no visible streaks or dry spots.
Start by placing the graham cracker crumbs in a medium-sized bowl. Add the sugar on top of the crumbs, making sure to spread it out evenly to ensure thorough mixing later on. Next, pour in the melted butter, stirring everything together until the mixture forms a uniform crumbly consistency. At this point, the mixture should smell sweet and nutty from the graham crackers.
To achieve well-combined graham cracker crumbs, it’s essential to use the right ratio of ingredients. The general guideline is 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs mixed with 1/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. This balance of dry and wet ingredients will help create a cohesive mixture that can be pressed into a pan.
Pressing the crust into the pan requires gentle but firm pressure. A lightly oiled or greased 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for pressing in the graham cracker crust. Use your hands, a spatula, or even a measuring cup to press the mixture evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Now that the crust has been prepared and pressed into the pan, it’s time to move on to the next steps of the recipe: preparing the cream cheese filling, baking the bars, and finally topping them with a sweet and tangy streusel topping. By carefully following each instruction in the recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating an amazing Cream Cheese Bars dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Press mixture into a 9x13inch baking dish.
This is an essential step in preparing the Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. To “press mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish,” start by ensuring you have the correct tool, which is a 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s crucial to use this specific size of baking dish as it directly affects the final appearance and texture of the bars.
Next, locate the prepared mixture that consists of a combination of ingredients such as cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and any additional toppings or mix-ins (e.g., nuts, chocolate chips). The mixture should be at a stage where it can hold its shape when pressed into the baking dish.
Begin by gently placing the 9×13-inch baking dish in front of you. Ensure it is clean and dry before proceeding to add the mixture. This will prevent any sticking or uneven distribution of ingredients.
Take a spatula, preferably one that’s sturdy enough to handle the consistency of the mixture, and scoop up a generous amount from the mixing bowl. Gently place the spatula into the baking dish, starting at one end of the long side and working your way across. Apply gentle yet firm pressure as you press the mixture evenly into the dish.
As you apply pressure, try to distribute the mixture uniformly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the baking dish without overflowing or bulging in some areas. Continue pressing until about 90-95% of the dish is filled with the cream cheese mixture. This may require a bit of finesse, but it’s crucial for achieving the right texture and appearance.
Finally, use your spatula to smooth out any uneven surfaces or air pockets within the filling. Take a step back and evaluate whether you’ve achieved the desired distribution of the mixture in the 9×13-inch baking dish.
Tips and Variations
Optional Add-ins
To enhance the flavor and texture of cream cheese bars, several tips and variations can be employed.
Tips
- For a more intense cream cheese flavor, use high-quality cream cheese with a high fat content (such as Philadelphia brand).
- To prevent the crust from becoming too dark during baking, cover the edges of the pan with foil.
- Don’t overbake; the bars are done when they’re lightly golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center.
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
- Mix in some chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts) or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Try using different types of sugar (such as brown sugar or honey) to create a unique flavor profile.
- Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, spicy flavor.
Optional Add-ins
- Raspberries: Mix fresh raspberries into the cream cheese mixture for added sweetness and texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars for a sweet, gooey topping.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut flakes over the top of the bars before baking for a tropical twist.
Note that these optional add-ins can be combined and layered in various ways to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
Chopped nuts
When it comes to adding texture and flavor to your cream cheese bars, chopped nuts are a fantastic option. They can add a delightful crunch and a depth of flavor that complements the tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly.
Here are some tips for incorporating chopped nuts into your cream cheese bars:
- Choose the right type of nut: You can use a variety of nuts such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Each type of nut will give your bars a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Aim for the right size of chop: If you’re using a food processor to chop your nuts, be careful not to overprocess them. You want the nuts to still have some texture and crunch to them.
- Don’t overdo it: Chopped nuts can quickly overpower the other ingredients in your bars. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Cooking the nuts beforehand: If you want to bring out the flavor of the nuts, cook them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. This will help intensify their flavor.
Some popular variations using chopped nuts in cream cheese bars include:
- Pecan Cream Cheese Bars: These bars are made with toasted pecans and have a rich, buttery flavor.
- Caramel Pecan Cream Cheese Bars: These bars add caramel bits to the mix for an added layer of sweetness.
- Walnut Cream Cheese Bars: These bars use chopped walnuts for a slightly earthier flavor.
- Hazelnut Cream Cheese Bars: These bars are made with toasted hazelnuts and have a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the classic cream cheese bar, and the addition of chopped nuts takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Dried fruit
Dried fruits can add natural sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of flavor to cream cheese bars. Here are some tips and variations for incorporating dried fruits into this recipe:
Cranberries
These tart berries pair perfectly with the tangy cream cheese. They also provide a lovely pop of color on top of the finished bars.
Raisins
Sweet and chewy, raisins add a pleasant texture contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling. They’re an especially good choice if you want to emphasize the sweetness in your cream cheese bars.
Cherries
Dried cherries have a rich, fruity flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake beautifully. They also provide a sweet and tangy contrast when paired with other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips.
Apricots
These dried fruits are known for their chewy texture and sweet, slightly tangy flavor. They’re an excellent choice if you want to add some extra fiber and nutrients to your cream cheese bars.
Prunes (dried plums)
While they may not be as sweet as other dried fruits, prunes have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the tanginess of the cheesecake. They also provide a lovely texture contrast when chopped up and mixed into the batter.
When using dried fruits in your cream cheese bars, keep the following tips in mind:
Soak them first: To bring out their natural sweetness and make them more palatable, try soaking the dried fruits in water or a flavorful liquid (like fruit juice or liqueur) before adding them to your batter.
Chop them finely: To avoid any texture clashes with the cream cheese filling, chop the dried fruits into small pieces or even crush them into flakes using a food processor.
Balance sweetness and tartness: If you’re using sweet dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, balance out their natural sweetness by adding more tart ingredients to your batter, such as lemon juice or zest.
Experiment with spices: Dried fruits can be quite versatile when it comes to spice pairings. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to bring out the flavors in your cream cheese bars.
Consider using a combination: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different dried fruits to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences. For example, pairing cranberries with raisins or cherries with apricots can result in deliciously complex and interesting flavors.
Espresso powder
The use of espresso powder adds an intense coffee flavor to the cream cheese bars, making them a unique twist on traditional cheesecake bars.
To incorporate espresso powder into the recipe, start by substituting 1-2 teaspoons of it for the water called for in the recipe’s liquid ingredients.
When using espresso powder, keep in mind that its flavor can quickly overpower other ingredients in the dish, so adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
To further enhance the mocha flavor of the bars, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee or brewed strong coffee to the mixture as well.
Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter coffee flavor, consider using decaf espresso powder instead.
In addition to its flavor contribution, espresso powder also serves as an intensifier for other ingredients in the dish. For instance, when combined with vanilla extract and cinnamon, it brings out their warm, aromatic properties.
Another way to incorporate espresso powder into the cream cheese bars is by using it to make a mocha glaze or drizzle on top of the baked bars after they have cooled. Simply mix the espresso powder with powdered sugar and heavy cream to create a smooth, creamy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over the dessert.
Some other variations on the recipe include adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to give the bars an added texture and flavor dimension.
To take the cream cheese bars to the next level, consider using different types of coffee beans or espresso roasts to create distinct flavor profiles in your baked goods. Experiment with lighter roasts for a brighter coffee taste and darker roasts for a deeper, richer flavor.
Remember that the key to making great coffee-flavored desserts is to balance bold flavors with sweetness and acidity. With the cream cheese bars recipe as a starting point, experiment with different combinations of ingredients and flavors to find the perfect cup (or slice) of mocha heaven for your taste buds.
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