Indulge in the vibrant and festive flavors of King Cake Cheesecake Bars, a delectable dessert that beautifully marries the traditional essence of King Cake with the richly creamy texture of cheesecake. Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any joyous occasion, these cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a luscious cream cheese filling, elegantly topped with a cinnamon sugar mixture. The colorful glaze reminiscent of Mardi Gras colors adds a playful touch, making them a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk or cream
Food coloring (purple, green, and gold)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until it is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once baked, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cheesecake while it’s still warm. Let the cheesecake bars cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
To prepare the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency as desired and divide it into three bowls; add food coloring to each.
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the colored glazes over the top in a festive pattern, allowing them to cascade beautifully. Cut into squares and serve.
