Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars are a rich and creamy dessert that combines a buttery crust with a smooth cream cheese filling, all infused with a hint of vanilla. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful treat with a soft, luscious texture and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (4x4 cut from a 9x9 inch pan) 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
For Dusting
- Additional powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening and sugar.
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes creamy and smooth, which creates the base for the batter.
- Add Cream Cheese: Gradually add the softened cream cheese to the butter, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Mix in Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and beat it until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, adding sweetness and volume.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain an even texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, helping the bars to set properly.
- Slice and Dust: Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired for a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid tough bars.
- For easier slicing, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator after cooling.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Optional: Add a bit of lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
Keywords: Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars, Cream Cheese Dessert, Easy Baking Recipe, Vanilla Bars, Cream Cheese Bars, Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
