This delicious Chai Spiced Cheesecake Bars recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes up beautifully in just one pan for a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the spices or use some of your favorite mix-ins to suit your taste, or this recipe is also a great way to use what you have on hand! It’s perfect for getting rid of leftovers or odds and ends you might find in the pantry.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and grease it generously.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until it’s nicely combined, until it looks like wet sand, really! Then, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a crust.
Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth, think fluffy clouds! You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this; just make sure it’s well blended with no lumps.
Add eggs and flavorings: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. These spices will fill your kitchen with an aroma that’s out of this world, so comforting!
Pour and bake: Pour this cheesecake mixture over your crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know it’s done when the center has a slight jiggle but isn’t completely wobbly.
Cool and chill: Allow to cool at room temperature, then this is super important, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. This will help them set up beautifully. It’s all about patience here!
Enjoy! Once chilled, cut into squares, and serve! You can even top these with a drizzle of caramel sauce or some whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Why I Love These Chai Spiced Cheesecake Bars
Okay, so I have to share: this is my go-to recipe when I want something that feels a little indulgent but doesn’t take all day to make. I’m a real sucker for anything cheesecake, they are probably my ultimate comfort food! And the best part is you can make these bars ahead of time. They sit pretty in the fridge, making them a perfect option for meal prep or unexpected guests. Plus, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand to customize it to your liking!
If you loved these Chai Spiced Cheesecake Bars, be sure to check out my Whoopie Pie Cookies, my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, or my Pumpkin Spice Macarons!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
These Chai Spiced Cheesecake Bars are loaded with tons of flavor honestly, it’s like a warm, sweet hug. The spices bring a comforting quality that just feels right.
Quick & Easy
The whole recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it goes from ingredients to fabulous dessert!
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Want to add chocolate chips? Go for it! Prefer a cookie crust instead of graham crackers? You got it! This is truly a dessert that encourages creativity.
Make-Ahead Friendly
These bars are perfect for meal prep since they chill well in the fridge! Make them in advance for your next gathering or family get-together, and watch them vanish from the dessert table.
Crowd-Pleaser
I mean, who doesn’t love cheesecake?! The whole family will love it, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Dessert
These Cheescake Bars shine when served chilled. You can enjoy them as they are, or add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra fancy touch! Pair them with a cup of hot chai or coffee for the ultimate treat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They may even taste better on the second day as flavors meld!
Reheating Instructions
These bars are best served chilled and don’t require reheating. However, if you prefer, you can pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds just to take the chill off!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these cheesecake bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 3 months. Whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Who knew that creating something so delicious could be so easy? With minimal effort and a few ingredients, you could have a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert right at your fingertips! So go ahead, grab your apron, and whip up these Chai Spiced Cheesecake Bars! You and your family are going to absolutely flip over them. I just know it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Chai Spiced Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan generously.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until it looks like wet sand and press into the bottom of the baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and salt.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled, optionally topping with caramel sauce or whipped cream.