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no bake ube cheesecake bars

Easy No Bake Ube Cheesecake Bars - Recipe!

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Side Dish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes for different components.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Whisk: For blending the cheesecake filling.
  • Rubber Spatula: For scraping bowls and spreading filling evenly.
  • 9x13 inch Baking Pan: For setting the cheesecake bars.
  • Parchment Paper (Optional): For easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Sharp Knife: For clean slicing.
  • Food Processor (Optional): For making graham cracker crumbs, if not purchasing pre-made crumbs.

Ingredients
  

  • Crust
  • 1 cups graham cracker crumbs about 12 full sheets
  • 6 tablespoons 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cup ube halaya purple yam jam, or 2 teaspoons ube extract (adjust to taste for color and flavor intensity)
  • Optional: Purple food coloring gel to enhance the color

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until all crumbs are moistened.
  • Press the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. A flat-bottomed measuring cup can aid in creating an even surface.
  • Chill the Crust: Place the prepared crust in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes while preparing the filling. This will help it firm up.
  • Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined and smooth.
  • Incorporate Ube Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and ube halaya (or ube extract). Mix until evenly distributed. If using ube extract, add purple food coloring gradually to achieve the desired shade of purple. Be cautious not to over-color.
  • Pour Filling over Crust: Pour the ube cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading evenly.
  • Chill the Cheesecake Bars: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set completely.
  • Cut and Serve: Once the cheesecake has set, cut it into bars. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for neat slices.
  • Optional Garnish: Dust with ube powder, top with whipped cream, or drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving, if desired.

Notes

Variations

The provided "no bake ube cheesecake bars" recipe lends itself to a variety of adaptations.
  • Ingredient Swaps:
    • Cookie Crust: Replace graham crackers with Oreo cookies (filling removed), biscoff cookies, or shortbread cookies.
    • Flavor Infusions: Incorporate a swirl of passion fruit curd, coconut cream, or lemon zest into the cheesecake filling for complementary flavors.
  • Regional Twists:
    • Macapuno Strings: Fold in macapuno strings (sweetened coconut sport) into the cheesecake filling for added texture and a traditional Filipino element.
    • Langka (Jackfruit): Incorporate small pieces of ripe jackfruit for a tropical fruit flavor.
  • Dietary Adjustments:
    • Gluten-Free: Utilize gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the crust.
    • Dairy-Free: Experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and coconut condensed milk, noting that the texture and flavor profile will be altered.
    • Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute in the crust and opt for a sugar-free condensed milk alternative, keeping in mind that this may affect the overall texture.

Serving Suggestions

recipes are a versatile dessert option.
  • Ideal as a chilled dessert after meals, particularly those with savory or spicy flavors.
  • Well-suited for parties, potlucks, and other gatherings due to their ease of serving and transport.
  • Can be elevated for more formal occasions by garnishing with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
  • Pairs well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a dessert wine.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and freshness.
  • The bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • When stored properly, bars will maintain optimal quality for approximately 3-4 days.
  • For longer storage, the bars can be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Frozen, they can last up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the cheesecake, making it slightly less creamy.