Orange Cheesecake Bars
These Orange Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy, tangy goodness with a hint of sunshine, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cups sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cups sugar
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large orange, zest
- 0.33 cups fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 0.25 cups powdered sugar optional for a sweet finish
- Fresh orange slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until combined.
- Add the sour cream, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined.
Baking
- Pour the filling over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Cooling and Serving
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for about an hour before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar and add a few fresh orange slices for garnish.
Notes
Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Leftovers can be covered with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months.