Delicious 9×13 Cheesecake Cookie Bars: Easy Step-by-Step Recipe

These cheesecake cookie bars are the ultimate treat, combining a rich, creamy cheesecake layer with a buttery cookie crust. Perfect for weeknight desserts or gatherings, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar with just the right amount of sweetness and tang — pure bliss!

You’ll find a reliable, tested recipe with exact measurements, step-by-step instructions, and cooking times. Total time is around 45 minutes, with a difficulty level that’s easy enough for beginners, yielding about 16 servings.

Origin of Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars are a delicious twist on the classic cheesecake, offering all the creamy, dreamy goodness in a portable format. What makes them special is their rich, velvety filling combined with a crunchy crust, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss of slicing a traditional cheesecake. They deliver a burst of sweet and tangy flavor that feels like a comforting hug with every bite!

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
• Sugar (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
• Cream cheese, softened (16 oz)
• Sour cream (1 cup)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Eggs (3 large)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 45 minutes) Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter until well combined. It should resemble wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sour cream, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks, so keep it gentle!
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy your delicious cheesecake bars!

Ingredients List

These cheesecake cookie bars are the perfect blend of rich, creamy cheesecake and soft, chewy cookie dough. Imagine biting into a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds, with a hint of vanilla and a touch of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. They’re so easy to make and will wow your family and friends with their deliciousness!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Powdered sugar (1 cup)
• Sour cream (1/2 cup)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Chocolate chips (optional, 1 cup)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 45 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will ensure your bars come out easily once baked!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The sugars will dissolve and the mixture will become pale in color.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and cohesive.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars tender!
5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix until creamy and there are no lumps.
6. Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared pan. Then, pour the cheesecake mixture over it, spreading it out gently.
7. Dollop the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to swirl the two layers together slightly for a marbled effect.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center

Essential Kitchen Equipment

When it comes to whipping up the Food Network’s cheesecake cookie bars in your 9×13 pan, having the right kitchen equipment makes all the difference. A sturdy, non-stick baking pan is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust, while a hand mixer or stand mixer ensures your cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy. Trust me, these little tools will make your baking experience enjoyable and the results absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
• Large eggs (2)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Powdered sugar (1 cup)
• Additional vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Sour cream (1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 50 minutes) Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13 baking pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a bottom layer.
6. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, additional vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Spread this cheesecake layer over the cookie dough.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer, creating a rustic pattern. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
8. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Enjoy your delicious cheesecake cookie bars!

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you love the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake but also want the convenience of a cookie bar, these Food Network cheesecake cookie bars are a delightful treat! They combine the best of both worlds with a soft cookie base and a luscious cheesecake filling, making them perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
• Extra vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, for cheesecake filling)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 45 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create a nice base.
6. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and extra vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this cheesecake filling over the cookie base.
7. Finally, crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the cheesecake layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely; some cheesecake should peek through!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Pro Chef Tips

These cheesecake cookie bars are a delightful combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and a buttery cookie crust, making them an irresistible treat! The flavor profile blends the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of sugar, all encased in a perfectly baked cookie base. They’re perfect for dessert lovers who can’t choose between cookies and cheesecake!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Sour cream (1/2 cup)
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon)
• Chocolate chips (optional, 1 cup)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 45 minutes) Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
5. Press approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
6. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Spread this cheesecake mixture over the cookie crust.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, creating a crumbly topping.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up with these cheesecake cookie bars, there’s plenty of room for creativity! The creamy richness of the cheesecake pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors, making it easy to customize to your taste. Whether you want to add a fruity twist or incorporate a favorite nut, the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
• Chocolate chips (1 cup, optional)
• Fresh berries (1 cup, optional)
• Chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 45 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until creamy.
6. Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan, then layer the cream cheese mixture on top. Finally, dollop the remaining cookie dough on top, creating swirls as desired.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving. Enjoy your deliciously creamy and chewy dessert!

Serving Suggestions

These cheesecake cookie bars are a delightful fusion of rich cream cheese flavor and the comforting taste of cookie dough, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying on your own with a cup of coffee. The sweet, creamy center paired with a chewy cookie crust is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Large eggs (2)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Powdered sugar (1 cup)
• Sour cream (1/2 cup)
• Chocolate chips (1 cup, optional)

Instructions

1. (Total cook time: about 45 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Reserve the remaining dough for topping later.
6. In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Spread this cheesecake mixture over the cookie layer in the pan.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Quick Summary

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting.
• Prepare crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
• Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
• Layer the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly.
• Bake for 30 minutes until set and lightly golden on top.
• Cool completely before cutting into bars for best texture.

• Key Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
• Key Tip: Let the bars chill in the fridge for at least an hour for better slicing.
• Key Tip: Don’t overbake; a slight jiggle in the center means they’re perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? How to store and reheat?

You can make these cheesecake cookie bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm them up.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative in equal amounts. Both will maintain a similar texture and flavor in your bars.

How do I know when it’s done?

Your cheesecake cookie bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle but is not liquid. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Can I freeze this? How long does it last?

You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

If you don’t have a 9×13 pan, you can use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Just keep an eye on them and bake until they’re set, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

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Emily Parker

Author at InfoKitchens

Hi, I’m Emily Parker, an author at InfoKitchens.com. I love creating simple, delicious recipes that anyone can follow. I’m also passionate about sharing tips and ideas that make cooking fun, easy, and stress-free for home cooks like you.

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