Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, you’ll fall head over heels for these Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars. Each bite is an irresistible combination of buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake, and vibrant raspberry swirls. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this easy-to-make dessert will become your new favorite way to indulge in cheesecake without the fuss of a full-sized cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars plays a key role, making the finished bars creamy, tangy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute — the magic really comes from the way these simple staples work together!
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic base for a cheesecake, these create a sturdy, buttery crust that holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the crust and the creamy cheesecake layer.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and brings a rich, golden flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the show, giving the bars their signature creamy texture and tang.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle warmth to the filling.
- Large eggs: Help set the cheesecake, giving it a tender, sliceable structure.
- Sour cream: Adds a touch of tang and lightens up the filling for that classic cheesecake taste.
- All-purpose flour: Just a bit helps thicken the filling and ensures the bars hold together.
- Fresh raspberries: Bursting with color and tart flavor, these are swirled into and scattered on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Raspberry jam: Warmed and swirled in for extra fruitiness and a stunning marbled effect.
How to Make Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting out your bars a breeze — no messy corners or crumbling edges!
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of your lined pan, making sure it’s even and well-packed. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until set and lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy — no lumps allowed! Add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is silky and glossy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, only until just combined. Finally, stir in the sour cream and flour, mixing until everything is beautifully smooth and incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Raspberries
Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much. They’ll add bursts of tartness and a gorgeous pop of color throughout your Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.
Step 5: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust and spread it into an even layer. Warm the raspberry jam slightly (just a few seconds in the microwave will do), then dollop it over the top. Use a knife to gently swirl the jam into the filling, creating those beautiful marbled patterns. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of raspberries on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still has a little jiggle. This ensures your cheesecake stays creamy and luscious. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours — trust me, the wait is worth it for perfectly sliceable, decadent bars.
How to Serve Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, dust your bars with powdered sugar or top them with a few extra fresh raspberries. A sprig of mint adds a lovely pop of green and a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with the tangy raspberry flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars alongside a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They’re also wonderful with a light fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into elegant triangles for a fancier look, or use a small cookie cutter to make fun shapes for parties. Stack them on a tiered dessert tray, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a beautiful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making each bite even more delicious.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars! Place cut bars on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed chilled, you can bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the consistency of the cheesecake.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries in Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid adding too much moisture to the filling.
How do I get clean, neat slices?
For picture-perfect bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing also helps achieve those crisp edges.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety, and check that your flour is gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
Can I substitute another fruit for raspberries?
While raspberries give these bars their signature flavor, you can try blackberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries for a delicious twist. Just keep the total berry amount the same for best results.
Do I need a water bath to bake these bars?
No water bath required! The smaller size of the bars and the gentle baking temperature ensure a creamy texture without the need for special equipment. Just bake as directed and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a dessert that wows with both looks and flavor, you can’t go wrong with Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars. They’re easy enough for any day, yet special enough to share with friends and family. Give them a try and see why they’ll quickly become one of your go-to treats!
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Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling marbled with vibrant raspberry jam and studded with fresh raspberries, creating a luscious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (for folding into filling)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set and fragrance fills your kitchen. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Add ½ cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and uniform. Add the eggs one at a time, blending just until incorporated after each addition to avoid overmixing. Fold in sour cream and flour gently until smooth.
- Add Raspberries to Filling: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh raspberries into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Assemble and Swirl: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface carefully. Slightly warm the raspberry jam until it’s easily pourable, then drop small spoonfuls on top of the cheesecake batter. With a knife, swirl the jam gently through the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Add Remaining Raspberries: Scatter the remaining ½ cup fresh raspberries evenly over the top for an attractive garnish and bursts of fresh flavor.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. Remove from oven and allow to cool fully at room temperature.
- Chill: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to firm up completely, making slicing easier and the texture perfect.
- Serve: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to slice into 9 bars. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between each cut to prevent smudging.
- You can substitute frozen raspberries for fresh ones, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Dusting with powdered sugar before serving adds a lovely presentation and sweeter finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
