Prepare to embark on a flavor journey like no other with these Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars! Imagine a rich, creamy cheesecake infused with the irresistible sweetness of maple, all while being elevated by the savory, smoky notes of crispy bacon. This delightful mashup of sweet and savory is a true delight for the senses, and it’s about to become your new go-to dessert that will have your guests raving.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars
These Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars are a true showstopper, blending the comforting indulgence of cheesecake with the bold, zesty flavors of maple and the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon. The velvety, lush texture of the cheesecake perfectly complements the crispy, golden-brown bacon topping, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Plus, with the added festive touch of maple, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy nights in.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients: cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, pure maple syrup, and of course, crispy bacon. The combination of these flavors and textures is what makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.
- 24 ounces – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Granulated sugar
- 3 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup – Pure maple syrup
- 8 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: Applewood-smoked or peppered bacon (for added depth of flavor)
- Sugar: Brown sugar or a combination of granulated and brown sugar (for a richer, more caramelized sweetness)
How to Make Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and well combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the maple syrup, ensuring everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Step 2: Pour the creamy cheesecake batter into the prepared pan, then top it with crispy, crumbled bacon. Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the bacon into the batter, creating a beautiful marble effect.
Step 3: Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Step 4: For an extra touch of indulgence, you can serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Graham Cracker Crust: Add a layer of crumbled graham cracker crust to the bottom of the pan before adding the cheesecake batter for a delectable contrast of textures and flavors.
- Mix-Ins: Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon, to make these bars your own.
- Maple Pecan Topping: Drizzle the bars with additional maple syrup and top with chopped pecans for a decadent finishing touch.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt some dark chocolate and swirl it into the cheesecake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Reheat: You can serve the bars chilled or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a perfect dessert for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition Information
These Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars are a decadent and indulgent treat, with each serving providing a satisfying blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. While they should be enjoyed in moderation, they are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bacon instead of crispy bacon?
While you can use regular bacon, the bars will have a different texture and flavor profile. For the best results, we recommend using crispy, crumbled bacon to ensure a delightful contrast against the creamy cheesecake.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is the traditional choice for cheesecake, you could experiment with other soft, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor profile may be slightly different, but the overall result will still be a delicious, indulgent treat.
How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy on top?
To keep the bacon crispy on top, make sure to use fully cooked, crispy bacon. Additionally, you can sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheesecake batter just before baking, rather than swirling it in, to ensure it maintains its crunchy texture.
Try These Next
- pumpkin spice maple bacon cheesecake bars
- maple bacon cheesecake swirl brownies
- pumpkin spice bacon cheesecake swirl bars
Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Maple Cheesecake Swirl Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet and savory flavors of bacon and maple syrup, creating a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup sugar
– Pinch of salt
For the cheesecake:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¾ cup sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– ½ cup sour cream
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
For the swirl:
– ½ cup maple syrup
– ¼ cup crumbled bacon
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. 4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in sour cream and maple syrup until fully combined.
5. 5. Fold in crumbled bacon into the cheesecake mixture.
6. 6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading evenly.
7. 7. In a small bowl, combine maple syrup and crumbled bacon for the swirl. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cheesecake and use a knife to gently swirl it.
8. 8. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly.
9. 9. Allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour before refrigerating for at least 3 hours or overnight.
10. 10. Cut into bars and serve chilled, garnished with extra bacon if desired.
Notes
1. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
2. You can use store-bought or homemade bacon; just make sure to cook it until crispy.
3. Refrigeration is key for the best texture and flavor; don’t skip it!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesecake, bacon, maple, dessert, bars