Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic dessert: Mixed Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars! Bursting with vibrant flavors and a creamy texture, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings. Imagine sinking your fork into a luscious layer of cheesecake, beautifully swirled with a medley of fresh berries. This recipe is not only easy to make but also guarantees to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into the delicious world of cheesecake bars!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to create a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate small bowl, mash the mixed berries until they form a rough puree. Strain half of the berry mixture to remove seeds if desired.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the berry puree randomly over the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirl patterns by gently dragging the berry puree through the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set completely.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cheesecake out of the pan and cut into 12 even bars.
- Garnish with additional fresh berries if desired, and serve chilled.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
- Choose Fresh Berries: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can also opt for frozen berries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs to the cream cheese mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Create Perfect Swirls: When adding the berry puree, don’t worry about perfection! Just drop spoonfuls randomly and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation from forming on the surface, which can affect the texture.
- Chill for Best Results: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting. This allows the cheesecake to set perfectly.
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: For an extra touch, garnish your bars with additional fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal but also helps keep the edges from over-baking.With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious dessert that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
