cream cheese bars recipe
The Best cream cheese bars recipe
I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – cream cheese bars! These delicious treats have been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in yours too. I first discovered this recipe on a family blog, where it was shared by a dear friend who had adapted it from her own mother’s cookbook. The story goes that this recipe was originally from the Midwest, where cream cheese was a staple ingredient in many desserts.
Over time, the recipe has been tweaked and perfected to create the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet vanilla flavors. The first time I made these bars for my family, they were an instant hit. My kids (and husband!) devoured them in no time, and I knew right away that this recipe was a keeper.
The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. Simply mix together some softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, pour the mixture into a baking dish, and bake until golden brown. That’s it!
No fuss, no muss. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these bars at any occasion – whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a birthday or holiday party. And because they’re so easy to make ahead of time (simply refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake), they’re perfect for busy families or those who want to prep meals in advance.
But what really sets these bars apart is their health benefits. By using natural ingredients like cream cheese and sugar, we’re avoiding artificial additives and preservatives that are often found in commercial baked goods. Plus, the eggs provide protein and richness without adding excess fat. And let’s not forget the vanilla extract – which not only adds flavor but also has antioxidant properties!
So go ahead and give these cream cheese bars a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Cream Cheese Bars
These cream cheese bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese layer. They are baked until set and lightly golden, then chilled for a refreshing dessert.
🥘Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Cream Cheese Filling
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Cream Cheese Bars Works
These cream cheese bars are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a casual dinner party or a special event like a birthday celebration.
They’re incredibly easy to make ahead of time (simply refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake) and can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
For longer storage needs (like freezing), simply wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Bars
Q: What type of sugar should I use in this recipe?
For this recipe, you can use either granulated white sugar or brown sugar. If you choose to use brown sugar, keep in mind that it will give your bars a slightly caramelized flavor.
Q: Can I use low-fat or non-fat cream cheese?
No, please use regular full-fat cream cheese for the best results. The fat content helps to create a rich and creamy texture.
Q: How do I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – simply thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Q: Can I add any mix-ins or toppings?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins such as chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), chocolate chips (dark or milk), or even dried cranberries.
Q: Why do my bars always come out too dense?
This could be due to overmixing the batter – try mixing wet ingredients separately from dry ingredients before combining them all together.