Description
Indulgent Blackberry Cheesecake Bars offer a luxurious blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet-tart blackberry swirls, nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each rich, velvety bite of this irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
Baking/Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Topping/Garnish Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact, even crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Sift together flour, salt, and cornstarch, gently folding into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
- Carefully distribute fresh blackberries across the cream cheese batter, lightly pressing some into the mixture while leaving others on the surface.
- Pour the entire mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform coverage.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Whisk powdered sugar and heavy cream to create a smooth drizzle, then artfully distribute over the cooled cheesecake bars.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
- Lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixing.
- Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the most vibrant flavor and beautiful color contrast in the cheesecake bars.
- Gently fold dry ingredients to maintain the delicate airiness of the cheesecake mixture, avoiding overmixing which can lead to a dense, tough texture.
- Customize the recipe by swapping blackberries with other seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg