Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars

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If you love the tangy sweetness of fresh berries combined with rich, creamy cheesecake, these Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and vibrant berry swirl, they’re as eye-catching as they are delicious. These bars are perfect for spring gatherings, baby showers, summer BBQs, or just an everyday indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients

• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors

• Gorgeous marbled effect that looks bakery-quality

• Great for portion control and serving a crowd

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – A classic base with buttery crunch.

• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the crust.

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crumbs into a firm, flavorful foundation.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – The rich, tangy star of the bars.

• ½ cup granulated sugar – Provides the right touch of sweetness.

• 2 large eggs – Give the filling structure and creaminess.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

• ¼ cup sour cream – Adds a smooth texture and slight tang.

For the Berry Swirl:

• ½ cup mixed berries – Choose strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a vibrant, fruity twist.

• 2 tbsp sugar – Sweetens the compote without overpowering.

• 1 tsp lemon juice – Brightens and balances the berries.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth filling.

• Don’t overmix the eggs—this prevents air bubbles and cracking.

• Use fresh or frozen berries, but thaw frozen berries before using.

• Chill fully before slicing for clean, defined bars.

Variations and Customizations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

• Mixed Fruit Swirl: Add peaches, blackberries, or mango for a tropical twist.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted white or dark chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.

• Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy punch.

Pairing Suggestions

• Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a chilled glass of rosé.

• Serve with whipped cream or fresh berry garnish for an elegant finish.

• These bars also make a great picnic or potluck dessert.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individual bars in layers separated by parchment. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Popular Questions

Can I use only one type of berry?
Yes! Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries all work beautifully on their own.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Don’t overbake, and let the bars cool gradually. The slight jiggle in the center is perfect—don’t worry, it sets in the fridge.

Do these travel well?
Yes. Chill them fully and pack them in a snug container—they’re great for parties and events.

Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 bars

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Description

These creamy cheesecake bars are swirled with a vibrant berry compote and set over a buttery graham cracker crust. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich—ideal for spring and summer gatherings!

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup sour cream

• ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Berry Swirl

1. In a small saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the berries break down and the sauce thickens.

3. Optional: Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.

4. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

3. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.

4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.

5. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy and lump-free.

2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

3. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.

2. Drop spoonfuls of the berry swirl over the top.

3. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the berry sauce through the batter for a marbled look.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.

2. Cool completely at room temperature.

3. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing into bars.

Notes

• Make the berry swirl a day ahead to save time.

• For extra richness, add a few white chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter.

• These bars are ideal for food bloggers seeking to boost ad revenue with high-converting dessert content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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