Description
Delicious and creamy cheesecake bars made with a buttery yellow cake base, topped with a sweet cream cheese layer, perfect for any dessert craving or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base
- 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Pull cream cheese from the fridge and set on the counter until softened. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second bursts until very soft, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sheet hangs over the sides by at least 1 inch for easy removal.
- Melt Butter: Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, about 45 seconds. Alternatively, melt in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow to slightly cool.
- Make Cake Batter: Add the yellow cake mix and 2 eggs to the melted butter. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In the same bowl, add softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium-low speed until smooth, scraping the bowl to combine fully.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter layer and spread evenly. Bake for 40 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 2 hours.
- Serve: Run a knife around the edges, lift the entire slab using the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and cut into 24 pieces. Optionally, sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth topping layer.
- Use parchment paper to easily remove bars from the pan without sticking.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to keep bars moist.
- Allow bars to cool completely to firm up before slicing.
- Optional sprinkle of powdered sugar adds extra sweetness and presentation appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
