Hey there! If you're looking for a delightful treat, these Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars are just the ticket. I remember making these with my cousin Lily during a family gathering, and we couldn't stop giggling as we licked the spoon clean. They’re the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and the cozy flavors of snickerdoodles, making them an easy Southern dessert everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They combine two classic desserts into one delicious bar.
- They’re easy to make and perfect for gatherings.
- The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful crunch.
Pure Comfort
These bars are pure comfort food, bringing back warm memories of family get-togethers and good times. Every bite is like a hug from grandma, reminding you of home.
What You Need
- 1 ½ cups 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g) – For the crust and filling.
- ½ cup ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g) – For sweetness in the crust.
- ½ cup ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g) – Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 1 large egg – Helps bind the crust.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the crust.
- 8 oz 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227 g) – For the creamy filling.
- ½ cup ½ cup powdered sugar (60 g) – For sweetness in the filling.
- 1 1 large egg – Another egg for the filling.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the filling flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cinnamon – For the classic snickerdoodle flavor.
- ¼ cup ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g) – For the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, they can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. The aroma of the warm oven will get you excited for these delicious bars.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a dough. It should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden. This step gives the crust a nice foundation for the creamy filling.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until creamy and well blended. The filling should be thick and fluffy.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the cheesecake filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. It’s okay if the crust is still warm; it helps the filling set nicely.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling. This adds that signature snickerdoodle flavor and a lovely crunch.
- Bake the bars for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. You can check doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. This cooling time helps the bars firm up for easy slicing.
- Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures with friends and family. These bars are sure to be a hit!
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips to the filling.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
Mix It Up
- You can use gluten-free flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- For a keto version, substitute sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
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FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
You can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
These Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars are an easy Southern dessert that everyone will adore. With their creamy filling and delightful cinnamon-sugar topping, they’re perfect for any occasion. So why not whip up a batch and share some smiles with family and friends?
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars Easy Southern Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl until dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into the baking dish bottom and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon; mix until creamy.
- Pour cheesecake filling over warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for topping and sprinkle evenly over filling.
- Bake bars for 20 minutes until filling is set and edges are lightly golden.
- Cool bars in pan for 30 minutes, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve.