Frederic Melton
Cheese bars are a popular Filipino snack, similar in texture to brownies but with a sweet and salty taste. They are made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, and are often cut into triangles. To determine when cheese bars are done cooking, one should look for a golden brown exterior and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with minimal crumbs. The baking time varies depending on the recipe and oven temperature, but generally, cheese bars bake for around 20 to 30 minutes. Some recipes for cheesecake bars, a similar dessert, suggest baking for 40 to 45 minutes at 325°F until the center is set but still jiggly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 325°F to 350°F |
| Baking time | 20-45 minutes |
| Filling texture | Set but jiggly in the center |
| Filling temperature | 180°-190°F |
| Cooling time | 30 minutes at room temperature |
| Refrigeration time | 6 hours minimum, preferably overnight |
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What You'll Learn
Filipino-style cheese bars
The recipe for these cheese bars is straightforward and simple to follow. It is a great option for picnics and potlucks, and they travel well. The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days and can also be frozen.
To make the Filipino-style cheese bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 1 cup cheese, grated, plus extra for topping (Cheddar is recommended, but any firm/hard and sharp cheese will work)
- 2 cups flour
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on each side. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and powdered milk until well blended. At this point, you should add the cheese and stir until combined. Finally, add the flour in three parts, stirring just until everything is combined. Remember to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl after each addition.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the top with more grated cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on the edges, matte and dry, and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with minimal crumbs.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into your desired shape. You can cut them into traditional bar or square shapes, or triangles if you want to be creative! These cheese bars are best served with a cup of coffee or tea.
Enjoy the delicious, sweet and salty Filipino-style cheese bars!
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Cheesecake bars: a classic dessert
Cheesecake bars are a classic dessert that is perfect for celebrations, snacking, or gifting. They are a great alternative to traditional cheesecakes, which can be time-consuming and tricky to make. Cheesecake bars are dense, creamy, and often feature a crisp graham cracker crust. They are also highly customizable, with various toppings and mix-ins to choose from.
Preparing cheesecake bars is a relatively simple process. The first step is to create the crust, which typically involves mixing butter, sugar, and flour, and sometimes chopped nuts, to achieve a crumbly texture. This mixture is then pressed into a baking pan to form the base. For a non-nutty crust, alternatives such as biscuits or graham crackers can be used.
The next step is to make the filling. This usually involves mixing cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients like sour cream, eggs, or chocolate chips. The filling is then poured over the crust and baked.
Baking times for cheesecake bars vary, but on average, they take around 35-45 minutes at temperatures ranging from 325°F to 375°F. The bars are done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly, indicating that they will continue to cook as they cool. Once baked, the bars should be allowed to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before being refrigerated for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
Cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. They are a convenient and delicious dessert option that can be made ahead of time and served with fruit or other sauces. With their creamy texture and customizable flavors, cheesecake bars are a popular choice for those seeking a simpler alternative to traditional cheesecakes.
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Cream cheese and sugar mixture
Cream cheese and sugar are the main ingredients in many cheese bar recipes. The cream cheese and sugar mixture is usually the filling, which is then layered between a crust and topping. The cream cheese and sugar mixture is made by creaming together the two ingredients until smooth. This can be done by hand or using an electric mixer.
Flavour Variations
The cream cheese and sugar mixture can be adapted to include other ingredients to create different flavours. For example, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and eggs can be added to the mixture to create a lemon-flavoured cheese bar. Alternatively, the mixture can be kept plainer, with just a hint of lemon, to create a traditional cheesecake bar. Other flavour variations include adding blueberries, blackberry preserves, or apple pie filling to the cream cheese and sugar mixture.
Cooking and Cooling
Once the cream cheese and sugar mixture is prepared, it is spread over a prepared crust and returned to the oven. The bars usually bake for around 30 minutes, until the filling is set but still a little jiggly in the centre. The bars are then cooled at room temperature for around 20-30 minutes before being refrigerated for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
Serving
The cheese bars can be cut into squares, bars, or triangles. They can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with fruit or other sauces. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen.
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Baking time and temperature
The baking time and temperature for cheese bars depend on the type of cheese bars being made.
Filipino-style Cheese Bars
For Filipino-style cheese bars, preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on each side. The baking time for these cheese bars is 20-25 minutes. The bars are done when they turn golden brown on the edges, look matte and dry, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with minimal dry crumbs.
Cheesecake Bars
To make cheesecake bars, preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line an 8-inch baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on at least two sides, and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. The baking time for these bars is 40 to 45 minutes. The filling should be set but still a little jiggly in the center, as it will continue to cook as it cools. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the filling about 1 inch from the edge should read between 180°-190°F.
Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Ooey gooey butter bars are made by preheating the oven to 325°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. The baking time for these bars is about 35 minutes. The center of the bars should be set but still have some jiggle to them.
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Storage and shelf life
The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Harder cheeses, which contain less moisture, tend to last longer than softer, more moist cheeses. The storage environment within the fridge, such as temperature and humidity, also plays a significant role in how long cheese remains fresh and safe to consume.
Hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for about 3–4 weeks in the fridge after opening. Unopened hard cheeses can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, have a shorter shelf life of about 1–2 weeks in the fridge after opening. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their "best by" date when stored in the refrigerator.
To ensure the longevity of hard cheeses, they should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of 35–40°F (4°C). They should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored in a plastic bag, allowing them to breathe while minimizing exposure to air and potential moulds. For soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep them in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it is best wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container.
Additionally, it is important to inspect cheese for signs of spoilage, such as mould, off colours, or unusual textures, before consuming it. While "best by" dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety, if the cheese is past this date and exhibits signs of spoilage, it is best not to consume it.
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Frequently asked questions
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on the edges, matte and dry, and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with minimal crumbs.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
The bars are done when the centre is set, but still has some jiggle to it.
