S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes
Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and classic s’mores flavors with these S’mores Cheesecake Bars.
These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the classic campfire dessert. With a graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, and topped with chocolate and marshmallows, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent cheesecake with a gooey s’mores topping
- Easy to make and perfect for gatherings
- No campfire required for this classic treat
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
S’mores Cheesecake Bars are not just a delightful treat; they’re a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any gathering. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a holiday party, or a cozy family dinner, these bars bring a touch of nostalgia and sweetness to the table. Their combination of creamy cheesecake and classic s’mores flavors is sure to impress guests of all ages, making them a go-to choice for dessert lovers.
What makes these cheesecake bars unique is their adaptability. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite ingredients, such as peanut butter or caramel, to the cheesecake filling. This versatility allows you to create a dessert that resonates with your personal taste or the preferences of your guests. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and make them your own!
Tips for Perfecting Your S’mores Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your S’mores Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This step is crucial as it allows for a smoother filling, free from lumps. Additionally, mixing the ingredients on low speed will help prevent air bubbles, which can affect the texture of your cheesecake.
When baking, keep an eye on the marshmallows as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. The goal is a golden brown top that adds a delightful crunch and enhances the s’mores flavor. If you find that your marshmallows are browning too quickly, you can cover the pan loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the bars finish baking.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
After cooling, these cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best results, cut them into squares only after they have fully cooled and set in the fridge. This helps maintain their shape and makes serving easier. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage; simply wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
When ready to serve, consider garnishing with additional mini marshmallows or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. These simple additions can elevate your dessert presentation and make it even more irresistible. Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
Mix the ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the crust.
Bake and Add Toppings
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. Garnish with extra graham cracker crumbs before serving.
Enjoy your delicious S’mores Cheesecake Bars!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of crust for these cheesecake bars? Absolutely! While graham cracker crust is traditional, you can experiment with different bases such as Oreo or shortbread crusts. Each will give a unique flavor profile to your bars.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can easily substitute regular graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Information
These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are a delightful indulgence, but it’s good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each serving offers a rich blend of flavors and textures, but they also contain calories primarily from the cream cheese and sugar. Enjoying them in moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider reducing the sugar in the cheesecake filling or using a lower-fat cream cheese alternative. While the texture might vary slightly, you’ll still enjoy the essence of this classic treat without compromising too much on flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time.
→ How do I store leftover S’mores Cheesecake Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and classic s’mores flavors with these S’mores Cheesecake Bars.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Indulgent Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 bars
What You'll Need
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. Garnish with extra graham cracker crumbs before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g