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Creamy Bourbon Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

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Rich and creamy cheesecake bars infused with bourbon and vanilla, perfect for elegant occasions or a comforting treat. Easy to make with simple ingredients and a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly moistened and looks like wet sand.
  3. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact it well.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gradually add ⅔ cup sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  7. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined.
  8. Mix in the flour, sour cream, vanilla extract, and bourbon until the batter is silky and uniform. Stop mixing as soon as combined.
  9. Pour the filling over the warm crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  10. Bake the cheesecake bars for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set but the center will have a slight jiggle.
  11. Turn off the oven and leave the bars inside for an additional 30 minutes with the door slightly ajar.
  12. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth batter. Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Let bars cool gradually in the oven with door ajar to avoid cracking. Chill overnight for best texture. For gluten-free crust, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour. Dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives can be used for a vegan twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon cheesecake bars, vanilla cheesecake bars, creamy cheesecake, easy dessert, elegant dessert, bourbon dessert, cheesecake bars recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/creamy-bourbon-vanilla-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-elegant-dessert/