Description
Creamy cheesecake bars with a snickerdoodle cookie crust and cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Snickerdoodle Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t overbeat the eggs.
- Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the partially baked crust. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.
- Cover the cheesecake bars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter.
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Bake in a water bath (optional) for an even creamier cheesecake.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
- Cut with a warm knife for clean slices.
- Variations: Add chocolate chips, use a different extract (almond or lemon), add a swirl of caramel, or make mini cheesecake bars.
- Storage: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes