Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet afternoons call for delectable raspberry cheesecake bars that melt in your mouth with creamy perfection.

Layers of smooth cream cheese blend seamlessly with vibrant berry swirls.

Crisp graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch beneath the silky filling.

Seasonal raspberries add bursts of tangy brightness to each delicate slice.

Simple ingredients come together in a dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.

Rich textures and balanced flavors make these bars a crowd-pleasing treat for any gathering.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible dessert.

Sweet Reasons To Love Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

  • Savor Foolproof Dessert Delights: These raspberry cheesecake bars guarantee success for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a professional-looking treat without complex techniques.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Party Sensation: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations, these bars offer a stunning visual appeal with marbled raspberry swirls that will impress guests.
  • Master Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance and refrigerate, making them an ideal dessert for busy hosts who want to minimize last-minute kitchen stress while delivering a delectable sweet experience.
  • Enjoy Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching raspberries with other berries or adding chocolate drizzles, allowing personal creativity and flavor exploration within a reliable base recipe.

Inside Raspberry Cheesecake Bars: What You Need

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic foundation that provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust hold together.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates a smooth, rich, and creamy texture for the bars.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
  • Eggs: Help bind the filling and provide structure to the cheesecake layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Raspberry Topping:
  • Raspberries: Fresh fruit that adds a vibrant color and tart flavor to the dessert.
  • Raspberry Jam: Intensifies the raspberry flavor and helps create a glossy topping.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the raspberry mixture and adds a subtle citrus note.
  • Sugar: Helps sweeten and thicken the raspberry topping.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars That Are Easy To Make

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press the crumb blend firmly into the pan bottom, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until ultra-smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing until completely blended. Incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully mixed. Stir in vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.

Step 4: Build the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface with a luxurious layer.

Step 5: Craft the Raspberry Swirl

In a small saucepan, combine:
  • Raspberries
  • Jam
  • Lemon juice
  • Sugar

Gently heat and stir until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and glossy.

Step 6: Create Marbled Magic

Drizzle the raspberry mixture over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns for a stunning marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for set edges and a center that’s slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the bars to set perfectly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a delightful dessert experience.

Simple Hacks For Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

  • Crumb Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, crisp base that won't crumble when cutting bars.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
  • Swirl with Finesse: Use a thin knife to create elegant marbled patterns when adding raspberry sauce, ensuring a beautiful and professional-looking dessert.
  • Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigerate bars for at least 3 hours to allow cheesecake to set completely, enhancing flavor and making cutting easier.
  • Raspberry Variation: Swap fresh raspberries with other berries like strawberries or blueberries for a delightful flavor twist that suits your taste preferences.

Fun Ways To Remix Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

  • Chocolate Swirl Raspberry Bars: Replace raspberry swirl with melted dark chocolate, creating rich, decadent layers throughout the cheesecake base.
  • Lemon Raspberry Bars: Add fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and use lemon jam instead of traditional raspberry jam for a tangy flavor profile.
  • Nutty Graham Crust Bars: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the graham cracker crust for extra crunch and nutty undertones.
  • No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake Bars: Skip the baking process by using gelatin to set the cream cheese filling, resulting in a cool, refreshing summer dessert.

What Pairs Great With Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

  • Crisp Prosecco Companion: Select a chilled, lightly sweet Italian sparkling wine that complements the dessert's creamy texture and cuts through the rich cheesecake with delightful effervescence.
  • Brew Bold Coffee Match: Choose a smooth medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel notes that enhance the raspberry's tartness and balance the cheesecake's sweetness.
  • Garnish with Fresh Mint: Sprinkle chopped fresh mint leaves on top to add a bright, clean herbal note that lifts the dessert's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a small scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars to create a luxurious temperature contrast and amplify the creamy dessert experience.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Storage Made Easy

  • Transfer bars to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Remove frozen cheesecake bars from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allowing them to gradually return to their original texture and flavor.
  • For best taste and texture, consume chilled bars within a week of preparation, keeping them consistently refrigerated to maintain their creamy consistency and prevent bacterial growth.

Need-To-Know Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Answers

  • Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen raspberries work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the raspberry sauce.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cream cheese mixture and bake at a consistent temperature. Also, letting the cheesecake cool gradually helps prevent surface cracks.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to create a gluten-free crust that’s equally delicious.

  • How can I tell if the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

Look for set edges and a center that’s slightly jiggly but not liquid.

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Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful raspberry cheesecake bars deliver a dreamy dessert experience with creamy cheesecake and tangy berry swirls. Delicate graham cracker crust and luscious raspberry layers promise pure indulgence for sweet-toothed guests you’ll surely impress.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base:

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crust:

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Raspberry Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh raspberries
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse, moistened sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact, level crust.
  4. In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then gradually incorporate sugar, mixing until fully integrated.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract until the cheese mixture is uniform and silky.
  6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, jam, lemon juice, and sugar, gently heating and stirring until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and glossy.
  8. Carefully drizzle the raspberry mixture over the cheesecake layer, using a knife to create swirling patterns for a marbled effect.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.
  11. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and a silkier cheesecake texture.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for richest flavor and most luxurious mouthfeel in the bars.
  • Gently tap the pan after pouring the cheesecake mixture to release any air bubbles, preventing cracks during baking.
  • For gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same measurements.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 287
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 63 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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