Description
Delicious Vanilla Chai Cheesecake Bars with a buttery crust and creamy filling featuring chai spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 – 1 1/2 tsp chai seasoning or contents of an unbrewed chai tea bag
Instructions
- Line a 9×9″ or 8×8″ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Before serving, optionally sprinkle the tops of the bars with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Notes
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg