Easy Ube Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A Delicious Treat!
Cheesecake bars, a delightful variation on the classic cheesecake, offer a convenient and portable dessert option. The addition of ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, elevates these bars with a vibrant color and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that distinguishes them from traditional cheesecakes. Ube has long been a staple in Filipino desserts, adding a distinctive character to a wide array of treats and representing a strong connection to Filipino culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- Crust
- 1 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- cup granulated sugar
- Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- cup ube halaya purple yam jam, or 2 tablespoons ube extract + 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Ube: Gently fold in the ube halaya (or ube extract and milk) and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This prevents cracking.
- Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the parchment paper out of the pan. Cut into bars using a sharp knife. Serve chilled.
- Optional Tips: For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese. If ube halaya is unavailable, ube extract can be used, but the flavor may be less intense. Add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the filling for a slightly firmer texture.
Notes
Essential Cooking Equipment
The preparation of ube cheesecake bars requires several essential kitchen tools. A 9x13 inch baking pan is necessary for baking the bars. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient proportions. Mixing bowls are used for combining both the crust and filling ingredients. An electric mixer or whisk is needed for achieving a smooth cheesecake filling. Parchment paper facilitates easy removal of the bars from the pan. A sharp knife is required for clean and precise slicing. A food processor can be helpful for creating uniform graham cracker crumbs, although this can also be done manually.Variations
The fundamental recipe for ube cheesecake bars is amenable to a number of adaptations and enhancements.- Ingredient Swaps: For a gluten-free version, almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers can substitute traditional graham crackers in the crust. Coconut cream can replace a portion of the cream cheese for a richer, tropical flavor.
- Regional Twists: Incorporating macapuno strings (sweetened coconut sport) into the cheesecake filling offers a distinctly Filipino variation. Adding a layer of leche flan on top creates a luxurious and decadent dessert.
- Dietary Adjustments: To reduce the sugar content, a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia can be used. For a dairy-free option, vegan cream cheese alternatives and coconut oil can be substituted for traditional dairy products, though this will alter the taste and texture.