Cream Cheese Dessert Bars – Rich, Creamy, and Easy!

You need to try cream cheese dessert bars when you’re craving something soft, tangy, and not too sweet.

These bars sit somewhere between a cheesecake and a buttery cookie.

The base is usually made with crushed graham crackers or shortbread crumbs, pressed into a firm crust.

On top, you’ll pour a simple cream cheese filling—just cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla—then bake until lightly set and chilled before slicing.

The result? A creamy top layer that’s smooth but firm enough to slice neatly, balanced by a crumbly, buttery base.

You can leave them plain or swirl in fruit jam, chocolate, or lemon curd. They’re easy to make ahead and always hit the right note at parties or casual gatherings.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives)

• 8×8 inch baking dish (or 9×9 inch pan)
• Mixing bowls (or any deep containers)
• Hand mixer (or sturdy whisk and arm power)
• Measuring cups and spoons (or digital kitchen scale)
• Rubber spatula (or wooden spoon)
• Parchment paper (or lightly greased foil)

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How to Make Cream Cheese Dessert Bars

These bars come together in two parts: a quick crust followed by a whipped cream cheese topping. Here’s how to make each layer the right way.

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Step 1: Make and Bake the Crust

You need to mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until they resemble damp sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your parchment-lined pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

This helps set the base so it doesn’t crumble under the filling.

Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat again until creamy.

Mix in vanilla, lemon juice, and the egg until fully combined. You want the filling to be silky but not runny.

Tip: Scrape the sides of the bowl to avoid lumps of cream cheese hiding in corners.

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Step 3: Pour and Smooth

Pour the cream cheese filling over the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to level the top, making sure it reaches all the edges evenly.

Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.

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Step 4: Bake the Bars

Bake for 22–25 minutes, just until the center no longer jiggles when you move the pan.

Don’t wait for golden brown edges—the goal is a pale, set top that firms up as it chills.

Let it cool on the counter for 20–30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours (more if possible).

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Step 5: Slice and Serve

Use a warm knife to cut into clean bars. Wipe the blade between slices for best results. These bars are soft and rich, so small pieces go a long way.

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Decoration & Serving Tips

• Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving
• Add fresh berries or thin fruit slices on top
• Drizzle with chocolate or berry sauce for extra flavor
• Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream

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Variations to Try

• Chocolate Swirl: Add ¼ cup melted chocolate and swirl into the filling with a knife
• Berry Jam Topping: Drop small spoonfuls of raspberry or strawberry jam on top before baking
• Cookie Crust: Use crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers
• Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and use lemon extract instead of vanilla

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Storing Tips

• Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days
• Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months (wrap in wax paper and freeze in airtight container)
• Thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge before serving

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Extra Tips

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture
• Let cream cheese soften before mixing—it reduces lumps
• Always chill before slicing to avoid a messy, soft center
• Pre-bake crust so it holds its shape when cutting

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

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Let’s Bake, Chill, and Enjoy

Cream cheese dessert bars are easy to make and satisfying to share.

Try them out, put your own spin on the filling, and let us know in the comments how yours turned out!