Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Delight in these rich and creamy Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars, featuring a buttery crust and a smooth cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced with vanilla and a hint of sweetness, these bars are an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder, ensuring they are well combined for even distribution.
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and smooth, creating a good base for the batter.
- Add Cream Cheese: Gradually add the softened cream cheese to the butter, beating continuously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix in Sugar: Incorporate the granulated sugar into the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes to set.
- Slice and Dust: Once cooled, cut into 16 squares and optionally dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness to avoid under- or overbaking.
- These bars can be refrigerated and served chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
- Optional powdered sugar dusting adds a decorative touch but can be omitted for a less sweet finish.
Keywords: Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars, Cream Cheese Dessert, Easy Bar Recipe, Vanilla Bars, Cream Cheese Baking