Easier and Quicker than Cheesecake: Cheesecake Bars

Smooth, creamy Cheesecake Bars are the quicker and more portable version of my well-loved cheesecake. My recipe includes a fudgy chocolate ganache topping to take these to the next level!
Recipe: sugarspunrun.com/cheesecake-b...
Ingredients
Crust
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (170g)
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar, firmly packed
7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake
24 oz cream cheese, softened (use brick-style full-fat cream cheese) (680g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature preferred
Ganache (optional)
4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (may substitute chocolate chips, no chopping needed) (113g)
½ cup heavy cream (118ml)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from the links below.
Mixing bowls (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2C47vQx
Instructions
00:00 Introduction
Crust
00:14 Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and line a 9x9” baking pan with parchment paper or foil (optional). Set aside.
00:20 Stir together graham cracker crumbs and sugars until combined.
00:34 Add melted butter and stir until all crumbs are moistened.
00:43 Press crumbs evenly into the bottom of prepared baking pan and set aside (no need to pre-bake before adding cheesecake batter).
Cheesecake
01:39 Combine cream cheese and sugar in large mixing bowl (or in bowl of stand mixer) and use an electric mixer (or paddle attachment on mixer) to beat on medium-speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
02:18 Add sour cream and vanilla extract and stir on low-speed until combined.
02:36 Lightly scramble one egg with a fork then add it to the cheesecake batter and stir on low-speed until just-combined. Repeat with remaining eggs. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
03:18 Pour batter evenly over graham cracker crust in prepared baking pan.
03:28 Transfer to the center rack of 325F (165C) preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until cheesecake is almost set (the center will still have some jiggle but will mostly be set, the edges may have puffed a bit, and if you lightly touch the center with your finger it should spring back to the touch).
03:54 Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature then transfer to refrigerator to chill completely, at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight.
04:06 After cheesecake has completely chilled, top with chocolate ganache if desired.
Ganache
04:15 Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour cream into small saucepan and heat over medium heat. As soon as you see the cream beginning to simmer, remove from heat and pour evenly over chocolate. Do not stir, just cover the bowl with foil and allow to sit for 5 minutes undisturbed.
04:52 Remove foil and gently whisk ingredients together until chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
05:09 Pour evenly over cheesecake bars, using a spatula to smooth if necessary. Transfer to refrigerator until ganache has set (about 15-20 minutes) then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cheesecake bars may also be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.
Chocolate version
See my recipe for chocolate cheesecake bars: sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-ch...
Mini cheesecakes
See my recipe for mini cheesecakes: sugarspunrun.com/mini-cheesec...
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[@CarlaAndAlexP90X]

Everytime you edit in the sad music with the kitchen aid I chuckle; it will never get old lol. Love the channel, and can’t wait to try these!

[@lindaseel8633]

I always laugh too.

[@lianab3985]

I just made these today and they came out great! So creamy and delicious! Thank you for making it so easy to follow. I will definitely be trying more of your recipes.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoyed them! I hope you love everything else you try! :)

[@Sur5r1]

I am blessed! I have everything in my pantry to make these right now. Oh my stars I bet these are divine!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! 😊

[@ruthstellatella242]

This recipe is fabulous. I made it yesterday and served it tonight. Everyone LOVED it and keep saying how incredibly delicious it is. It has to be the best cheesecake recipe in my book now. Thank you so much!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad you liked it!!

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ You're my one favorite Bakers on KZbin! Thank you so much! From a Mom to a Mom.❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! :)

[@whimsicallywhimsywhimsical363]

Thank you for making my life a whole lot sweeter. Thank you 💐

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Enjoy! :)

[@SGlala]

Goodness gracious these came out good. I followed the recipe exactly with the exception of adding a healthy pinch of coarse sea salt to the graham cracker crust. 👌🏼

[@SugarSpunRun]

So glad you liked them 🥰

[@iheartflying]

Ooooh curious how adding the sea salt came out?

[@Jane-lp8so]

Absolutely the best cheese cake I’ve ever tasted, and so simple to make…..cheers from The Maritimes…..

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much! 😊😊

[@2lipz4eyez]

I'm going to make them for my grandson. He loves cheese cake. This is taking it to a whole new level. Thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope he loves it! :)

[@afternoononthedock]

I made these and they were so easy, delicious, silky, creamy, light, not over dense or chalky at all! My gang loved them! I started checking for doneness at 25 min, came out great at 34 min. Thank you! This is going on our rotation, will be great for potluck and holidays. The hardest part by far is being patient :)

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much! 😊😊

[@cristrivera]

Those cheesecake bar look amazing, I need to try the recipe for sure. You always crack me up with the lonely stand mixer😆

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! And I'm glad you enjoy the mixer joke 🤣

[@ema8909]

I dont understand the joke. Could you explain it please?

[@noodletropic]

@@ema8909 Replay about minute 2, and notice how she holds the mixer up while "lonely", gloomy, sad violin plays in the background.... and it contrasts against her upbeat, happy personality...funny!

[@ema8909]

@@noodletropic thanks for reply! Ive seen it in all her episodes I just dont get why its lonely.

[@iheartflying]

@@ema8909 The idea is that it’s lonely because she’s not using it. She’s using her hand mixer instead, so it’s sad that it’s not being used.

[@imbabe3449]

You make it seem so simple, thank you!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandymcdonald6t1]

These look so yummy, will have to try.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you love them 🥰

[@pasquale120]

They look beautiful and delicious! that’s sweet of you to share your recipe! Keep healthy and safe! Thank you, xo

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks for watching! ❤

[@shannonsullivan2109]

I made these today and they turned out amazing! I love your channel and am learning a lot! Thank you!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad you like them! Thanks for subscribing ❤️

[@theresarodriguez3284]

Look awesome and delicious! Can't wait to make. Thanks for any easy to follow recipe!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! 😊

[@malacarrozza7028]

Love all you recipes!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks so much 😊

[@hermaninc]

awesome. I will put this on my list of things to make. Also thanks for writing out the instructions as well.

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Enjoy! :)

[@abyssinia3609]

WOW...this looks absolutely delicious!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

So good!

[@sulariaugustin6307]

Love your recipes. Thanks 👍

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad you like them!

[@melchieify]

Looks so delicious and easy to follow recipe Will be making this coming week. Thank you for sharing 🙏🥰

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@clairehernandez6882]

Those look amazing can’t wait to try your recipe. Thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it!

[@eldridgesmart5516]

Awesome 👍🏾👍🏾! Thank you very much for the video! These are perfect for the family gatherings. You're the best! GOD Bless you, your family, & you're little farm.✌🏾

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! Thank you ❤

[@jonathonwilliamson9879]

Looks soooooo 👅. I am saving this episode to make this weekend as a celebration for having made it through another week in the heat. Thank you Sam for the quick and easy celebration meal suggestion. And yes I think this will be the entire meal.

[@SugarSpunRun]

That's certainly worth celebrating--it's hot out there! Enjoy and stay cool 😊

[@farkshucker]

Currently on a diet and these look sooooo good!! No way could I make these right now.

[@natalijaparadiso7566]

Scrumptious ❤️ love your channel and your recipes made last week the Italian cream cake for a co worker Delicious 😋 thank you for sharing these wonderful recipes

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so happy it was a hit! Thanks for following along 😊

[@reneeford9508]

I love cheescake & this looks so simple to make can't wait to try it.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@kathyrama4570]

So easy, has to be delish!!!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're going to love it! :)

[@jmarcos1008]

This dessert looks very delicious, thank you 😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks for watching!

[@marykleeberg7162]

Those look delicious!

[@SugarSpunRun]

They are!

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

looks delicious!! can't wait to try it! 😊😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@terrytawhai2886]

Wow that looks incredible i really enjoy watching and learning from these videos 💚💚

[@SugarSpunRun]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@deshannsears5392]

Looks delicious 😋

[@SugarSpunRun]

Tastes delicious too! 🥰

[@Juliiebee]

Yum, definitely going to try these!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy ❤

[@classicmoments9433]

I made these yesterday and they’re delicious. It’s the first time I’ve successfully made a ganache. I used an 85% Lindt chocolate bar.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Awesome! So glad you liked them 🥰

[@anthonydolio8118]

Simple but elegant. Thanks.

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome! Enjoy! 😊

[@pamelaancar3675]

Looks so good.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you 😋

[@Rareprogeny]

Oh wow. These were terrific!! Easy and so satisfying. The ganache really made it special. Thanks. I enjoy your recipes and videos. Happy cooking!😎

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so happy you like them!

[@luvjc77]

They look amazing and I'm going to make them soon. Thank you for explaining the directions very clearly. Just became a subscriber!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Wonderful! Welcome to the channel!

[@TwistinTops1]

My Goodness this looks amazing!

[@SugarSpunRun]

They're so good!

[@4America2024]

I must try this. Looks delicious.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊

[@susanbentley9967]

You do a good job telling how to make something.

[@andreagennaro6181]

Hi Sam this looks absolutely delicious we love cheesecake anything lol going to try this soon thanks for another awesome dessert take care

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks so much 😊 Enjoy!

[@universityfishing3685]

i tried this recipe and it was delicious thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

So glad you liked it! ❤

[@penneyburgess5431]

Yummy! Thank you!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You are so welcome!

[@heidzsoder199]

Brilliant video, not dragged out like so many! Well done you! 😊😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! 😊

[@JanetCaterina]

OMG that looks so good

[@SugarSpunRun]

SO good 🤤

[@rosemarynast8949]

Looks good 👍

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! 🙂

[@sandranewkirk6290]

I love me some cheese cake so I will definitely be making this recipe looks so delicious 😋

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊

[@MsDollie]

Will be making this! 🤗

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you love them!

[@francesmorgan6397]

Love this receipe will b making it

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy!

[@LarrysTake]

Wonderful! Smooth and creamy. So quick and easy to make. I might parbake the crust next time just to get it a little crispier. This will definitely be part of our Thanksgiving.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@NA-mw8oi]

Love ❤️ recipes so much

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks so much 😊

[@dianasmith1398]

I am excited to try this

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them!!

[@dorisbeale4940]

Wonderful

[@frankjluciani8259]

Oh My God......I can taste them.... just by looking at them....! An ungodly amount of thanks....🙏😇

[@SugarSpunRun]

They're amazing 🤩

[@asugarholicslife]

I love cheesecake, easy ones like this are right up my alley!

[@SugarSpunRun]

So easy and delicious! I hope you love them 🙂

[@asugarholicslife]

@@SugarSpunRun I love all your recipes

[@indechin341]

Looks yummy 🤤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you!

[@DaniellesMicoMarley]

:) I keto-ized these they came out amazing, the texture is so good

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoyed them! :)

[@kinndah2519]

I'd like to see some experiments with eastern desserts. That would be interesting. Or something that isn't common. This channel is one of my favorites, so to see Sam do it...you know it's gonna be 😋 💕

[@SugarSpunRun]

I do have a baklava recipe you might like! 🥰 sugarspunrun.com/baklava-recipe/

[@kinndah2519]

@@SugarSpunRun Absolutely! I'm middle eastern so this hits close to home, and I'd love to try your version.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Let me know if you try it! And any others you'd like to see 🙂

[@khadzak7496]

Am drooling 😋😋😋looks scrumptious

[@SugarSpunRun]

They taste even better than they look!

[@eyestoseeearstohear9030]

Haha poor stand mixer feels excluded🤣. I love how you show us how much you enjoy what you make😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

😂 That's the best part!

[@michellehale8962]

Thanks for the tips, esp re eggs and ganache!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Of course! Glad they were helpful 🙂

[@wandaarnt234]

Thank You cheers from Pennsylvania Blessings 🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ladykathrynperry9094]

Wonderful!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you!

[@ladykathrynperry9094]

@@SugarSpunRun I made chocolate cheesecake with ganache topping today, and it was fabulous.

[@mmakomanyatja5213]

Amazing Sam thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy!

[@sophisticatedmm3632]

This looks soo easy. New subbie. Yummy recipes

[@SugarSpunRun]

Welcome to the channel! 🤩

[@NA-mw8oi]

Thank you for sharing this easy recipe with us I was looking for a cheese cake

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@paulamorin6053]

I am going to try this. I love cheesecake ❤️😍

[@SugarSpunRun]

You'll love them!

[@francesmorgan6397]

These sound delicious I'm gonna try to make these

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! :)

[@francesmorgan6397]

I think we will

[@jayadama1301]

Yummy cheesecake very delicious

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much 😊

[@judy8117]

Looks really good,!💯🌻❤👍

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you!

[@kathydelucia123]

Gonna try this soon

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you love it!

[@convoy814]

I like your style. Just found your channel. Will watch moving forward

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy everything! :)

[@peggymccabe5090]

Nice recipe 😋 👌 👍

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! 😊

[@martinitime3537]

I made your lemon cheesecake which was amazing and was gone in a few days! 😋 This recipe will be made tomorrow after my grocery delivery 🚚

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Hope you love this one too 😊

[@jilllopate4029]

I made these and I chose not to make the ganache. The texture of the cheesecake was smooth, creamy and perfect. The graham cracker crust was delicious and I think the brown sugar addition made it better than traditional graham cracker crust. I could have eaten the whole pan it was that good.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm SO happy you loved them! 🥰

[@aprilinalabama9074]

Yummy 😋

[@nursyvibz3788]

These were excellent! Any even better a couple days later!

[@markaralvin7919]

Hello Nursy

[@SugarSpunRun]

So glad you liked them!

[@taraduddy7687]

Mine are baking in the oven as I leave this comment. I've always been so intimidated to make cheesecake but you made it look simple and easy to follow. Can't wait to eat them tomorrow once they've chilled overnight.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! 😊

[@taraduddy7687]

@@SugarSpunRun we most certainly did! I've never had better. Thank you for your videos! I truly enjoy watching them.

[@SugarSpunRun]

That’s so awesome to hear!! Thank you! 😊😊

[@judithjenkins9881]

Yum

[@lorettalozano3885]

Thanks 🙏 you make recipes look so easy and delicious 🤤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! :)

[@lorettalozano3885]

Sure will… thanks

[@patricklopez7593]

Here’s what I am doing right now, Sugar Spun Sam: I am making your cheesecake in this video and I baked it with fresh blueberries. Once it cools, I am going to add your chocolate ganache! This may not be what you have in mind, but I’m trying it just to see how it works. I hope you don’t mind. You see, your expertise and positivity have given this novice some confidence! Thank you again, so much! And hello to your lasagna pasta eating dogs! 🐕🐕👍❤️

[@convoy814]

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! for using FULL FAT Cream Cheese!

[@sweetremission2658]

Yummmmmmy!!!

[@hestergreen2031]

Looking forward to making your cheesecake bars for my family & company

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope they're a hit 🤩

[@Jane-lp8so]

I always chuckle to myself, when you zoom in on the kitchen aid mixer…..cheers from The Maritimes….

[@SugarSpunRun]

😁😁

[@crystalgale15]

Oooh this is going to be my next project 😁

[@SugarSpunRun]

Good luck!

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

How do you make all these delectable and delicious recipes and still maintain your beautiful body? Really... Love your recipes but can't make as many as I wish I could! Lol, like one every week for our family.

[@C_Castillo]

Nvrmnd lol found the full version lol thanks my uncle is going to love these

[@tamaramorton8812]

Love, love, love it except for the chocolate topping. I wish people used a caramel sauce more, even though it’s harder to make. Chocolate is just overdone online and everywhere! I want to try these. Thanks for sharing them.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Caramel would work great here too! I feel like the chocolate just compliments the cheesecake better here. :)

[@genepatrick5325]

YUM, YUM, YUM, I would love to take a bite of that heavenly cheesecake.😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰

[@SugarSpunRun]

It's so good 🤤

[@linda7726]

Looks delicious ❣️. Can you use sugar substitute? Or do you have a sugar free recipe? Thank you! 🙂

[@tracycreatesdishes]

Hey, Hello! Can I ask You what lighting you use? Your videos look so smooth and clear.

[@twilabailey1444]

Yumm

[@beybslifeintheus494]

Yummy food

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you 😋

[@cynthiabuck3713]

Would it be possible for you to try to make cheesecake on a popsicle stick and dip it into a chocolate ganache? If you’ve already done this I may have overlooked it but this would be awesome to follow along to 🤗👍🏻

[@rouvim5931]

If you have silicon popsicle moulds, that are oven safe, you could probably do it, but without the Graham cracker crust.

[@PADS62]

@@rouvim5931 What a GREAT IDEA! Thank you! I mean REALLY Thank You! LOL

[@LoveYourself-1970]

I have never had chocolate on my cheesecake. I will try this, next gathering I go to or next after Sunday dinner...

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're going to love it!

[@brendabollig6856]

Try adding 1/4 cup of melted peanut butter to the genach before pouring the warm cream.

[@DiaDia18]

Very nice cheesecake recipie Sam! They looks amazing! Have a nice day and good week! 👍👏🍫🍫🍫

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much 😊

[@DiaDia18]

@@SugarSpunRun Thanks! 🙂🙂🙂