Cheesecake and Dessert Bar
Cheesecake And Dessert Bar – Treat yourself to a decadent cheesecake and dessert bar. This delicious, creamy and tangy dessert is the perfect way to end any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, bridal shower, or family get-together, this easy-to-make treat will be the star of the show. It’s a classic recipe that everyone loves, featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a variety of topping options. To make your dessert bar extra special, add a few special touches like a drizzle of chocolate sauce, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Overview
This cheesecake and dessert bar recipe is super simple but yields impressive results. It starts with a graham cracker crust, followed by a classic cheesecake filling that’s made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. The topping options are endless, so you can mix and match flavors to create the perfect combination. This recipe yields 8 to 12 servings and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare.
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary restrictions. For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and the eggs with a vegan egg replacer. If you don’t eat gluten, try a gluten-free graham cracker crust or an almond flour crust. For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar-free cream cheese and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
This delicious cheesecake and dessert bar is sure to be a hit with everyone. Keep reading for all the details you need to make it at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Choice of toppings, such as fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
- Press graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt, and beat until smooth.
- Pour cream cheese mixture into the springform pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Let cool before adding toppings of choice.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Total fat: 28g
- Saturated fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 21g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
This recipe takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare. This includes 15 minutes of preparation time and 1 hour of bake time.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- 9-inch springform pan
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a luxurious finish.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Serve with a side of ice cream or custard.
Variation Ideas
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty twist.
- Mix in half a cup of crushed chocolate cookies or Oreos to the graham cracker crust.
- Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese mixture for a nutty flavor.
- Top the finished product with a swirl of caramel sauce.
Substitutions
- For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and eggs with a vegan egg replacer.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
- For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar-free cream cheese and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Storage
Store the cheesecake and dessert bar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- Beat the eggs into the cream cheese mixture slowly to avoid over-mixing.
- Be sure to cool the cheesecake before adding the toppings.
- For a light and fluffy texture, use a hand mixer instead of a whisk.
Notes
- This recipe is best served cold. For a softer texture, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- Add a few sprigs of mint for a refreshing touch.
- You can also bake the cheesecake in individual ramekins for individual portions.
- A sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, add the toppings just before serving.
- Can I substitute the graham cracker crust? Yes, you can use a chocolate cookie crust, almond flour crust, or your favorite gluten-free crust.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and eggs with vegan alternatives.
- Can I freeze this cheesecake and dessert bar? Yes, you can freeze it for up to two months.
Category
Dessert, Cheesecake, Summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Personal Thought
This delicious and creamy cheesecake and dessert bar is the perfect way to end any meal. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that yields impressive results, with a crunchy graham cracker crust and creamy cheesecake filling that you can customize with your favorite toppings. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it for up to two months. So, if you’re looking for an impressive dessert that’s sure to impress, this cheesecake and dessert bar is the perfect choice.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, wedding shower, or just want to indulge in a delicious treat, this cheesecake and dessert bar is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a delicious dessert that everyone will love!
Thank you for taking the time to read this recipe. I hope you enjoy making this delicious cheesecake and dessert bar at home. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Enjoy!
Cheesecake And Dessert Bar
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- 9-inch springform pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 4 8- ounce packages cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Choice of toppings such as fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
- Press graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt, and beat until smooth.
- Pour cream cheese mixture into the springform pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Let cool before adding toppings of choice.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- Beat the eggs into the cream cheese mixture slowly to avoid over-mixing.
- Be sure to cool the cheesecake before adding the toppings.
- For a light and fluffy texture, use a hand mixer instead of a whisk.
- This recipe is best served cold. For a softer texture, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- Add a few sprigs of mint for a refreshing touch.
- You can also bake the cheesecake in individual ramekins for individual portions.
- A sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling.