Berry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Berry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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Hello, dessert lovers! These Berry Cheesecake Bars combine the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with a vibrant berry swirl, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Introduction

Berry Cheesecake Bars are a fantastic blend of creamy cheesecake and fruity berry goodness. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a beautiful berry swirl, these bars bring a pop of flavor and color to any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of berries, cheesecake, or both, these bars will be a hit at any dessert table.

Ingredients

To make Berry Cheesecake Bars, gather these ingredients:

Berry Swirl (Berry Puree)

  • 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen, rinsed and patted dry)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 15 graham cracker sheets (pulverized into crumbs, about 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs)
  • 1 stick butter, melted (plus extra for greasing pan)
  • ¼ cup sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs

These ingredients work together to create a deliciously smooth cheesecake with bursts of berry flavor.

How to Make Berry Cheesecake Bars

Follow these steps to create your own Berry Cheesecake Bars:

  1. Make the Berry Puree: In a medium saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and can be easily smashed. Use an immersion blender or a standard blender to create a smooth puree. Chill the puree in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, mixing until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 13×9 inch baking dish to form an even layer for the crust.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream and blend until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until the filling is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Dollop half of the berry puree on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the filling gently. Repeat with the remaining cheesecake filling and berry puree, swirling for a decorative effect.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the top is slightly golden.
  6. Chill and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors develop and the cheesecake set. Once chilled, cut into 20 bars for easy serving.

Helpful Tips

  • Swirling Technique: For a beautiful swirl effect, drag a skewer or toothpick through the berry puree in a zig-zag motion.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
  • Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: Either fresh or frozen berries work for this recipe; just make sure to rinse and pat them dry.

Cooking Tips

Here are some extra tips for perfect Berry Cheesecake Bars:

  • Press the Crust Firmly: Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the crust firmly into the pan for a sturdy base.
  • Avoid Overmixing: When adding the eggs to the cheesecake filling, mix just until incorporated to avoid adding excess air, which can cause cracks.
  • Chilling Time: These bars need sufficient chilling time to set properly, so plan to make them a few hours or a day ahead for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Berry Cheesecake Bars chilled for a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. Garnish each bar with a fresh berry or a mint leaf for an elegant touch. They make a lovely addition to dessert trays, picnics, or even as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an overview of the nutritional content per serving of Berry Cheesecake Bars:

  • Calories: 260
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Vitamin C: 5%
  • Calcium: 6%
  • Iron: 4%

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

These bars can also be enjoyed directly from the freezer as a chilled treat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use only one type of berry?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite berry or a mix of any you prefer. Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries all work well.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?
If you’d like a different base, try crushed shortbread or vanilla wafers as an alternative crust option.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
A standard blender or food processor will work just fine for making the berry puree.

If you love berry-flavored desserts, check out these related recipes:

Conclusion

And there you have it—Berry Cheesecake Bars that are as delicious as they are beautiful! With their creamy filling, sweet-tart berry swirl, and buttery crust, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Make them ahead of time, and enjoy the perfect blend of cheesecake and berry flavors in every bite. Happy baking!

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