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Perfect Red White Blue Cheesecake Bars

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These cheesecake bars feature a tangy cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a festive patriotic dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 whole crackers, finely crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • ¼ cup blueberry puree (blend fresh or frozen blueberries, strained)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant. Remove and cool slightly.
  4. Prepare blueberry puree by blending blueberries until smooth and straining through a fine sieve. Set aside ¼ cup for swirling.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
  6. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Dollop half of the blueberry puree on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer. Repeat with remaining cheesecake and blueberry puree layers to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle.
  8. Let bars cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Before serving, arrange sliced strawberries and whole blueberries on top in a decorative pattern.
  10. Slice bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve chilled.

Notes

Softened cream cheese is key to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl blueberry puree lightly for a marbled effect. Chill bars thoroughly for clean slicing and creamy texture. Fresh berries are best; thaw frozen berries well to avoid sogginess. Bars can be made ahead and taste better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, red white blue dessert, graham cracker crust, summer dessert, easy cheesecake, berry topping

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/perfect-red-white-blue-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-patriotic-dessert-idea/