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Perfect Star-Spangled Cheesecake Bars

star-spangled cheesecake bars - featured image
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These cheesecake bars feature a creamy, tangy filling with a festive berry swirl, perfect for summer celebrations and easy to make with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (150g) mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool slightly.
  2. While crust bakes, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth but slightly chunky. Strain if a seedless swirl is desired. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  4. Pour cheesecake filling over baked crust, spreading evenly. Drop spoonfuls of berry puree over filling. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the berry puree to create a marbled effect without over-swelling.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly when shaken.
  6. Cool to room temperature (about 1 hour), then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  7. Cut into squares and serve chilled or slightly warmed. Optionally garnish with fresh berries or powdered sugar.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks. Gently swirl berry puree for a marbled effect. Cool bars gradually before refrigerating. For gluten-free, substitute crust with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. Frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, berry swirl, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, easy cheesecake, no-fuss dessert, berry cheesecake

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/perfect-star-spangled-cheesecake-bars-recipe-with-easy-berry-swirl-tutorial/