Vanilla Chai Cheesecake Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Crust
01 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 -
1/4 cup brown sugar
03 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
04 -
1/4 tsp salt
05 -
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
→ Cheesecake Batter
07 -
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
08 -
1 cup granulated sugar
09 -
1/4 cup sour cream or heavy cream (can be substituted)
10 -
3 large eggs
11 -
2 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
12 -
1 - 1 1/2 tsp chai seasoning or contents of an unbrewed chai tea bag
# Instructions:
01 -
Line a 9x9" or 8x8" baking pan with parchment paper, spray lightly with cooking spray, and set aside. Preheat oven to 300°F. In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add flour and stir until thoroughly combined. Press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes. Adjust oven temperature to 325°F.
02 -
In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream (or heavy cream), eggs, vanilla, and chai seasoning. Beat until fully combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth into an even layer with a spatula.
03 -
Bake the bars at 325°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly soft in the center. To check doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the filling about 1 inch from the edge. It should read approximately 180°F. Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
04 -
Before serving, optionally sprinkle the tops of the bars with a pinch of ground cinnamon.