No-Bake Cream Cheese Bars in a 9×13 Pan: Easy Recipe

ByEmily Parker

These 9 by 13 pan cream cheese no bake bars are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something special, these bars are guaranteed to impress with their luscious texture and delightful flavor. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, I promise!

With a total time of 4 hours (mostly chilling), this recipe is easy to follow and yields 16 servings. Perfect for a crowd or just a delightful weeknight dessert, these bars will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings Difficulty
20 minutes 0 minutes 4 hours 16 servings Easy

Origin of Cream Cheese Bars

Cream cheese bars are a delightful no-bake dessert that brings together the creamy richness of cream cheese with a buttery graham cracker crust. What makes them special is their light, fluffy texture combined with the sweet and tangy flavor that is simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
  • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
  • Cream cheese, softened (16 oz)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp)
  • Salt (a pinch)
  • Optional: Fresh berries for topping

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 30 minutes) Start by preparing your crust. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. It should look like wet sand.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to make sure it’s packed tightly and evenly. Pop it in the fridge while you make the filling.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until everything is well blended and there are no lumps, about another minute.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream!
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture over your chilled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
  7. Once set, cut into bars and serve topped with fresh berries if desired. Enjoy your delicious no-bake cream cheese bars!

Ingredients List

These cream cheese no-bake bars are a delightful treat that combines rich creaminess with a hint of sweetness, making them perfect for any occasion. The balance of flavors from the buttery crust to the smooth filling creates a dessert that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll love how quickly these come together without the need for an oven!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
  • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
  • Cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 20 minutes) Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar, then pour in the melted butter. Stir until everything is combined and resembles wet sand.
  3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it down well.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  5. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold this into the cream cheese mixture until no white streaks remain.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. If using, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top, then cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To whip up these delightful cream cheese no-bake bars, you’ll want to gather some essential kitchen equipment that makes the process a breeze. The right tools not only streamline your workflow but also help you achieve that perfect creamy texture and delicious flavor that everyone will rave about!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup)
  • Granulated sugar (½ cup)
  • Cream cheese, softened (16 oz)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
  • Heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
  • Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 30 minutes) Start by lining your 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This little trick will make your life so much easier!
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid base.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps for that perfect texture!
  4. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and continue to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy, about another 2 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
  6. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in your pan. If you’re adding chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top now. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
  7. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

These cream cheese no-bake bars are an absolute delight! They’re creamy, sweet, and have a refreshing hint of vanilla, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
  • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
  • Cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional)

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 20 minutes) Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan to form a crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to make it nice and even.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top now.
  6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. This step is crucial for the bars to hold their shape!
  7. Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!

Pro Chef Tips

These cream cheese no-bake bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances creamy and sweet flavors with a crunchy graham cracker crust. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or even mix in some fruit for a refreshing twist. Plus, the fact that they require no baking means you can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for any last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup)
  • Granulated sugar (⅓ cup)
  • Cream cheese, softened (16 oz)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional)
  • Fresh berries for topping (optional)
  • Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 30 minutes) Start by greasing your 9×13 inch pan with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. It should look like wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it down tightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set. Once firm, you can sprinkle chocolate chips, berries, or mint leaves on top for an extra touch!

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to put your own spin on these delightful no-bake cream cheese bars, you’re in luck! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility — you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something fruity or nutty, there’s a variation here for everyone to enjoy!

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
  • Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
  • Fresh fruit (1 cup, chopped, e.g., strawberries or blueberries)
  • Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional)

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 15 minutes) Start by preparing your crust. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until well combined and crumbly.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan to create an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup for a smooth finish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until it thickens and forms soft peaks, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Gently fold in your choice of fresh fruit or chocolate chips if desired, mixing just until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the creamy filling over the crust in the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
  7. Once set, slice into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

Serving Suggestions

These cream cheese no-bake bars are an absolute delight, perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home. With their creamy, tangy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, the best part? They come together without ever needing to turn on the oven!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
  • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
  • Cream cheese, softened (16 oz)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Fresh berries for topping (1 cup, optional)
  • Chocolate shavings or syrup for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. (Total cook time: about 20 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to really pack it down.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined and creamy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  6. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set and firm. This resting time is key for the best texture!
  7. Before serving, top with fresh berries and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Quick Summary

Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 bars
  • Combine crust ingredients: Use 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers and ½ cup melted butter.
  • Whip cream cheese: Beat 8 oz. of softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add sweetener: Mix in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  • Fold in whipped topping: Gently mix in 8 oz. of whipped topping until combined.
  • Layer and chill: Spread mixture over crust, refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
  • Use room temperature ingredients: Ensures smooth mixing for the cream cheese layer.
  • Adjust sweetness: Taste before chilling; add more sugar if desired.
  • Chill adequately: This helps the bars set properly for clean cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can definitely make these cream cheese no bake bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and there’s no need to reheat—just cut and serve chilled!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.

How do I know when it’s done?

Since these are no bake bars, they’re done when the filling is set and firm to the touch after chilling for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator. You can check by gently pressing the surface; it should feel solid and not jiggle.

Can I freeze this? How long does it last?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

What if I don’t have a 9 by 13 pan?

If you don’t have a 9 by 13 pan, you can use an 8 by 8 pan, but you’ll need to adjust the chilling time and keep an eye on the thickness—it may take longer to set. Alternatively, you can use a smaller baking dish and make thicker bars, which will also work beautifully!

Emily Parker
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