This simple baked cheesecake-style dessert is a clever way to turn a handful of pantry basics and blocks of cream cheese into a rich, sliceable treat without the fuss of a traditional springform cheesecake. It has the spirit of a crustless baked cheesecake or cheesecake bar, with a creamy center and lightly golden top, making it especially fitting for National Cheesecake Day when you want something festive but easy enough for a weeknight kitchen.
Serve this dessert chilled or at cool room temperature with fresh berries, a spoonful of cherry or blueberry pie filling, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. It also pairs nicely with coffee after dinner, or with a little whipped cream on the side if you want to dress it up for a potluck or family celebration.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Cream Cheese Dessert
Servings: 9
Ingredients
2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch square or similar small casserole dish.
2. Place the softened cream cheese blocks in the casserole dish. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then mash and stir with a fork or hand mixer until mostly smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed. Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
5. Cut into squares and serve plain or topped with fruit, whipped cream, or dessert sauce if desired.
Variations & Tips
Fruit topping: Spoon cherry, blueberry, or strawberry topping over the chilled squares just before serving for a classic cheesecake finish.
Texture tip: For the smoothest filling, let the cream cheese soften well before mixing. If you start with cold blocks, the batter can stay lumpy and bake unevenly.
Crumb variation: Graham cracker crumbs add a familiar cheesecake flavor, but vanilla wafer crumbs work well too and give the dessert a slightly sweeter, softer finish.
Clean slices: Chill the dessert thoroughly and wipe the knife between cuts for neat squares. This is especially helpful if you plan to serve it at a party or bring it to a gathering.
