Description
A delightful fusion dessert combining the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake, resulting in irresistibly soft, chewy bars with a luscious filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into prepared baking dish. Smooth surface using fingers or measuring cup. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- In a new bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and flour just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour cheesecake filling evenly over slightly cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool in pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Lift bars using parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling to avoid cracks.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Use a heated knife for clean slices.
- Variations include adding chocolate chips, fruit puree, or crushed cookies.
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, keto, and vegan versions are possible with ingredient swaps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, fusion dessert, cheesecake bars, cookie crust dessert, easy cheesecake recipe