Indulge in the delightful taste of our “So This Is What Heaven Tastes Like!” Cream Cheese Bars. This recipe, passed down from my great-grandma, remains a cherished favorite. With its rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of chocolate chips and optional nuts and cherries, these bars are not for the faint of heart. Get ready to experience a sweet treat like no other!
Table of Contents
The Best Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
These cream cheese bars are the epitome of dessert perfection. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to become a staple in your home.
Notes on Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here are a few notes on the key ingredients:
- Margarine and Cream Cheese: Ensure they are softened for easy mixing.
- Sugar and Eggs: These provide the sweet and creamy base.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour and Salt: The foundation of the batter.
- Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips work best, but feel free to experiment with other types.
- Walnuts and Maraschino Cherries: These are optional but add great texture and flavor variations.
How to Make Cream Cheese Bars
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, beat the margarine, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla with the last egg.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts, then fold in the maraschino cherries.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out nearly clean. The bars should be pale in color. Remove from the oven immediately if the sides begin to pull away from the pan.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Bars
These bars are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature. Serve them as a delightful dessert at gatherings, or keep them as a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.
How to Store Cream Cheese Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 213.68kcal | 11% |
| Total Fat | 13.11g | 19% |
| Carbs | 23.1g | 9% |
| Sugars | 14.06g | 16% |
| Protein | 2.35g | 5% |
| Sodium | 193.39mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.86g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.57g | 23% |
| Trans Fat | 1.46g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.32g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.57g | – |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 13.38mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 15.01mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 63.42mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.87mg | 6% |
| Zinc | 0.31mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 38.77mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 126.89mcg | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 0.02mg | 0% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.09mg | 8% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.1mg | 7% |
| Niacin B3 | 0.67mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.02mg | – |
| Folic Acid B9 | 33.93mcg | 17% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.06mcg | 2% |
| Vitamin D | 0.08mcg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 0.96mg | 8% |
| Vitamin K | 9.4mcg | 13% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Bars
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine. The bars may have a slightly richer flavor.
Can I omit the walnuts and cherries?
Absolutely. The bars are delicious even without these optional ingredients.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your preference.
The Best Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups margarine softened
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts Optional
- ½ cup well-drained chopped maraschino cherries Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Beat the margarine, cream cheese, and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the margarine mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla with the last egg. Mix in the flour, salt, chocolate chips, and walnuts until just incorporated. Fold in the maraschino cherries; mixing just enough to evenly combine. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out nearly clean, about 25 minutes. Watch closely – the finished bars will be very pale in color. Remove from oven immediately if the sides begin to pull away from the pan. Cool pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Enjoy making and savoring these heavenly cream cheese bars, a timeless family favorite that promises to delight with every bite!