NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE BARS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (from about 8 sleeves)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 1 1/2 tsp plain powdered gelatin (I bought a box of little packets)
• 16 oz original cream cheese room temperature for 30 minutes
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup sour cream room tmperature for 30 minutes
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

SOUR CREAM TOPPING (OPTIONAL)

• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the crust, in a medium size mixing bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar and salt. Pour the melted butter over top and stir until a soft wet mixture forms. Firmly press into a 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan. Place in the freezer to chill while preparing the filling.
2. In a small microwave-safe mixing bowl, whisk together the water and gelatin. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, salt, vanilla and sour cream, beat just until combined.
4. Place the gelatin mixture in microwave and heat for 25 seconds on HIGH. Remove and whisk for 1 minute. Allow to cool for 2 minutes, then with mixing speed on low, slowly add the gelatin to the cream cheese, mixing until combined.
5. Using a hand mixer (or if you have another bowl for your mixer, use that), in a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the whipped cream into the mixture. The whipped cream will loosen the filling up a bit and make it slightly more spreadable.
6. Carefully spread the filling into the chilled crust. Spread into a smooth, even layer.
7. Prepare the topping by combining all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stirring together until smooth. Using a spatula, spread over the top of the cheesecake.
8. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.

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