From the kitchen of the creative and adventurous Chef Savori, we present a delightful fusion of sweet and savory – the Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars. This decadent treat brings together the richness of cheesecake and the bold, smoky flavors of bacon, creating a delectable experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the perfect marriage of creamy, velvety cheesecake and the irresistible crunch of savory, zesty bacon. This recipe is a true showstopper, combining the comforting warmth of a classic cheesecake with the bright, bold flavors of a spicy-sweet glaze. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or craving a satisfying treat, these Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars will leave you and your guests thoroughly impressed and delighted.
Ingredients
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with this irresistible recipe. You’ll need a few key ingredients, including cream cheese, eggs, sugar, bacon, and a blend of spices that will elevate your creation to new heights of deliciousness.
- 8 oz (226g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 large – Eggs
- 3/4 cup (150g) – Granulated sugar
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1/2 tsp – Ground cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Dairy-free cream cheese or cashew-based cheese (for a plant-based alternative)
- Cayenne Pepper: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a less spicy version (adjust to personal taste)
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with this irresistible recipe.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and preparing a 9×9-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it. Crisp up the bacon until it’s golden and crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a touch of cayenne pepper to create the luscious cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pour the creamy cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden. While the bars are baking, prepare the sweet and spicy glaze by combining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the cheesecake bars are out of the oven and have cooled, it’s time to drizzle the irresistible glaze over the top. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the glaze, creating a stunning and mouthwatering presentation.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra special touch, you can garnish the Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few sprigs of fresh thyme, adding a delightful contrast to the bold flavors.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Bacon: Try swapping out the bacon for crispy pancetta or prosciutto for a different twist on the savory element.
- Adjust the Spice: Experiment with the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your personal preferences.
- Serve with a Scoop: For a truly epic dessert, consider serving these cheesecake bars with a scoop of creamy, zesty lemon sorbet or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
- Make it Vegan: By substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based bacon, you can easily make these Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars vegan-friendly.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a scoop of lemon sorbet, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat the frozen bars in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: These Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them a great option for hosting.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the richness of these Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars, but remember to enjoy them in moderation. Each serving is packed with creamy, satisfying goodness, and the addition of bacon adds a delightful savory element that balances the sweetness.
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the recipe)
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 23 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 297 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance, which makes them a great option for hosting. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is the traditional base for cheesecake, you can certainly experiment with other types of cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta, to create a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
How do I get the perfect swirl on top?
To achieve the perfect swirl on top of your cheesecake bars, use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently drag through the glaze in a circular motion, creating a beautiful and eye-catching pattern.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! By substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based bacon, you can easily make these Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
To prevent cracking, be sure not to overbeat the batter and avoid opening the oven door during the baking process. Additionally, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar can help prevent cracks.
Try These Next
- peanut butter and bacon cheesecake fudge bars
- savory sweet potato and bacon waffles
- sweet and spicy maple glazed ham sliders for the holidays
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheesecake Bars combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the savory crunch of bacon and a hint of spice. Perfect for your next gathering!
Ingredients
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup crispy cooked bacon, chopped
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. 3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.
5. 4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
6. 5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
7. 6. Fold in chopped bacon and cayenne pepper.
8. 7. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
9. 8. Drizzle maple syrup on top.
10. 9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
– For extra flavor, top with additional crispy bacon bits before serving.
– These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cheesecake, bacon, dessert, sweet and savory