S’mores Cheesecake Bars

These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and toasted vegan marshmallows on top. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate cheesecake and toasted marshmallows creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up these bars without any hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a picnic, these bars are versatile enough for any event.
• Satisfying Texture: The contrast between the crunchy crust and smooth cheesecake offers an irresistible texture that everyone loves.
• Shareable Size: Cut into bars, this dessert is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect S’mores Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking and makes it easy to cut your bars neatly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the creamy cheesecake filling to perfection.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring you get every bit of batter into your baking pan.

Ingredients

These are the best s’mores cheesecake bars! They have a thick, buttery graham cracker crust and a silky smooth chocolate cheesecake layer topped with chocolate ganache and toasted vegan marshmallows.

For the Crust

• 21 (315 g) graham crackers, full sheet
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp (41 g) light brown sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tbsp (4 g) cornstarch
• 6 oz (170 g) milk chocolate bars, melted and slightly cooled (Endangered Species Chocolate)
• 1/4 cup (62 g) sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 eggs, at room temperature

For the Topping

• 3 oz (85 g) milk chocolate bar, chopped (Endangered Species Chocolate)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (60 g) vegan marshmallows, for topping

How to Make S’mores Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and light brown sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in cornstarch, melted chocolate, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time. Mix until fully combined. Pour this luscious mixture over your prepared crust.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before moving on to topping them.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped milk chocolate bar with heavy cream. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Pour this ganache over the cooled cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Toast the Marshmallows

Sprinkle vegan marshmallows on top of the ganache layer. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to toast them lightly until golden brown. Be careful not to burn!

Step 6: Chill & Slice

Allow everything to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before slicing into bars. Enjoy your delicious S’mores Cheesecake Bars!

How to Serve S’mores Cheesecake Bars

S’mores Cheesecake Bars make a delightful dessert that everyone will enjoy. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this tasty treat.

Individual Portions

• Serve each bar cut into small squares for easy handling and sharing at parties or gatherings.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and a beautiful presentation.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert and add an extra layer of indulgence.

Garnished with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.

How to Perfect S’mores Cheesecake Bars

To master the art of making S’mores Cheesecake Bars, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bring your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature for better blending and a smoother texture.
• Don’t skip the chill time – After baking, let the bars cool completely before refrigerating them. This helps set the cheesecake perfectly.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to mix in different toppings like crushed graham crackers or even caramel sauce for added flavor.
• Check doneness carefully – The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.

Best Side Dishes for S’mores Cheesecake Bars

Pairing side dishes with your S’mores Cheesecake Bars can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A colorful blend of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cheesecake bars.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
   These treats bring an additional chocolate element that complements the flavors in your bars.
3. Coffee or Espresso
   A warm cup of coffee enhances the rich flavors, making for a delightful combination after dinner.
4. Ice Cream
   Vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the texture of the cheesecake bars.
5. Nutty Trail Mix
   A crunchy nut mix can provide a nice contrast in texture and adds a savory note to your dessert spread.
6. Caramel Sauce Dip
   Serve some caramel sauce for dipping alongside fresh apple slices for a sweet and tart addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Preparing without room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks in your cheesecake bars.
• Skipping the cooling step: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting them cool gradually helps prevent cracks and ensures better texture.
• Not lining your pan: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked.
• Ignoring ingredient measurements: Measure accurately to ensure your S’mores Cheesecake Bars have the right balance of flavors and textures.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep S’mores Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing S’mores Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating S’mores Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place them in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make S’mores Cheesecake Bars?

To make S’mores Cheesecake Bars, start by preparing a graham cracker crust. Then mix together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and melted chocolate. Pour this mixture over the crust and bake until set.

Can I use dark chocolate instead?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate in the recipe. This will give your S’mores Cheesecake Bars a richer flavor.

What toppings work well with S’mores Cheesecake Bars?

You can top these bars with whipped cream, extra chocolate drizzle, or even fresh berries for added flavor.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

To prevent cracking, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Also, avoid overmixing and cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven after baking.

Final Thoughts

These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different chocolates or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any gathering!