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Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make removing the squares easier after baking. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to pack it down tightly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and firm. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Finally, mix in the sour cream and heavy cream. These ingredients will add richness and help create a smooth, velvety texture in the cheesecake filling.
4. Pour the Filling onto the Crust
Once the cheesecake filling is ready, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
5. Bake the Cheesecake Squares
Bake the cheesecake squares in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when the pan is gently shaken. The edges should be firm and lightly browned, while the center will remain a little soft—this is perfectly normal.
To prevent cracking, avoid opening the oven door while baking, and keep an eye on the cheesecake as it bakes.
6. Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After it has cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling the cheesecake will help it set and give it the perfect creamy texture.
7. Slice and Serve
Once your cheesecake has chilled, it’s time to slice it into squares! Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan, then cut it into even squares with a sharp knife. For clean slices, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
You can serve the cheesecake squares plain, or top them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of fruit compote, caramel, or chocolate sauce for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Classic Baked Cheesecake Squares
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the cheesecake filling, avoid overmixing after adding the eggs. Overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter, which could cause cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes.
- Chill Well: Chilling your cheesecake squares for several hours is essential to allow them to set properly and achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- Flavor Variations: If you want to get creative, you can add lemon zest or a splash of almond extract to the filling for a subtle twist. You could also mix in some mini chocolate chips or swirl in a bit of fruit puree before baking.
- Avoid Cracks: To minimize cracks in your cheesecake, try baking it in a water bath (placing the pan in a larger pan filled with hot water). However, the recipe as written is quite forgiving and will give you great results without the extra step.
Conclusion
These classic baked cheesecake squares are the perfect combination of creamy, indulgent filling and buttery, crisp crust. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these squares will definitely satisfy your cheesecake cravings. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and completely customizable to suit your preferences.
Next time you’re in the mood for cheesecake but want something easier to serve than a full-size cheesecake, try these baked cheesecake squares. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!
