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Flavorful Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

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These easy patriotic cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh red and blue berries for a festive summer dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs (about 1 ½ cups). Mix crumbs with melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar until mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press crumb mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan.
  3. Bake crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Stir in sour cream until just combined.
  6. Pour cheesecake filling over the warm crust and smooth the top.
  7. Evenly distribute sliced strawberries and blueberries over the cheesecake layer. Optionally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over berries.
  8. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
  9. Cool bars completely on counter for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  10. Use parchment paper overhang to lift bars from pan. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Let cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Do not overmix after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Bake crust first to avoid sogginess. Drain frozen berries well to prevent watery bars. Chill bars overnight for best texture. Run knife under hot water before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

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

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