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Irresistible Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars

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These maple bacon cheesecake bars combine smoky bacon with creamy, sweet maple-infused cheesecake on a buttery crust, creating a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for brunch or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • Optional: extra maple syrup for drizzling after baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
  4. Cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gradually add maple syrup, beating at low speed until combined. Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and salt. Batter should be silky and slightly thick.
  7. Pour the filling over the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle chopped bacon evenly over the surface.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until edges are slightly puffed and center is just set but still jiggles slightly.
  9. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least an hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
  10. Slice into bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup on top before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Bake crust before adding filling to prevent sogginess. Cook bacon until very crisp. Avoid overbaking the filling; it should jiggle slightly when done. Chill bars for at least 2 hours before slicing. For gluten-free, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and coconut oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bacon cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, maple syrup dessert, bacon dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, brunch dessert, homemade dessert

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