Wine Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that marries the richness of cheesecake with the sophistication of wine. This indulgent treat offers a unique and elegant twist on traditional cheesecake, making it a perfect choice for special occasions and gatherings.

The history of cheesecake dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its existence in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Over the centuries, cheesecake recipes evolved and spread to different cultures, each region adding its own flavors and variations. Cheesecake has since become a beloved dessert in many parts of the world.

The combination of wine and cheesecake likely emerged as cooks and bakers experimented with different ingredients to enhance the flavors of traditional cheesecake. Wine, with its diverse flavors and aromas, adds a touch of sophistication and depth to the creamy cheesecake base.

Cheesecakes infused with wine became especially popular in modern times as people sought to elevate the dessert experience and explore new taste sensations. The result was the creation of Wine Cheesecake, a dessert that brings together the classic appeal of cheesecake with the richness and complexity of wine.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 8 full sheets of graham crackers
• 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Filling:

• 12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
• 1 cup (300g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1 envelope (8g) unflavored gelatin
• 3/4 cup (180ml) red wine
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 4 teaspoons sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving two sides hanging over the edges.

Crust:

1. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
2. Add the sugar and melted butter, and pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened with butter. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Evenly spread it, lightly pressing into the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and then cool it on a wire rack.

Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and condensed milk until creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the egg, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to whisk until well combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Bake it until the filling is set but not browned, for about 25 minutes. Cool the cheesecake to room temperature (about 2 hours), then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.

Topping:

1. Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of wine and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, stir the sugar into the hot water. Add the sugar water into the wine with gelatin.
3. Mix well until the gelatin is completely melted. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of wine and cool the mixture to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
4. Gently pour the wine mixture using the back of a spoon over the cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until the wine topping is set completely.

Now, your elegant and indulgent Wine Cheesecake Bars are ready to be served! The creamy cheesecake base paired with the luscious wine topping creates a delightful dessert that will impress your guests and leave them with a unique and memorable culinary experience. Enjoy these bars at your next special occasion or celebration!