French Vanilla Cream Bars

French Vanilla Cream Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling:
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and set.
Topping:

In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cream cheese filling.

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Cut into squares and serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 12 servings