Delicious Raspberry Cheesecake Bars: An Irresistible Easy-Bake Recipe

Prepare to be enchanted by these **Raspberry Cheesecake Bars**, a dessert that perfectly marries ease of preparation with undeniable indulgence. These bars are a delightful alternative to traditional cheesecakes, offering all the creamy, dreamy texture you love, enhanced by vibrant swirls of sweet and tangy raspberry. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich cheesecake and bright berry flavor, making them an absolute must-try for any dessert enthusiast.

If you’re a fan of luscious desserts, especially those featuring the delightful taste of raspberries, these cheesecake bars will quickly become a favorite. They share the classic appeal of a classic cheesecake bar recipe but stand out with their beautiful and flavorful raspberry swirls. For those who can’t get enough of delicious raspberry desserts, be sure to also explore treats like Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies, a comforting Raspberry Cobbler Recipe, and the refreshing White Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream. For more berry-infused delights, consider whipping up a batch of homemade Raspberry Sorbet or indulging in a decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cake. These raspberry cheesecake bars, however, offer a unique combination of creamy and fruity that is simply irresistible.

Table of Contents

• Why This Recipe Works
• Key Ingredients
  • Crust Essentials
  • Creamy Cheesecake Filling
  • Vibrant Raspberry Swirl
• How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
• Storage Tips
• Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars
• More Cheesecake Bar Inspirations
• Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are not just another dessert; they are a culinary triumph for several reasons. Firstly, they are remarkably **easier to make than traditional cheesecakes**. While classic cheesecakes often require a water bath and careful cooling to prevent cracks, these bars simplify the process without compromising on flavor or texture. The baking time is shorter, and the method is more forgiving, making them perfect for both novice bakers and experienced dessert makers looking for a quick yet impressive treat.

Secondly, their bar format offers **unmatched convenience for serving**. Unlike slicing a round cheesecake, these bars are pre-portioned, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or simple weeknight desserts. Each bar is a perfect single serving, easy to pick up and enjoy without the mess. This convenience also extends to storage and transport, ensuring your delicious creation arrives intact wherever it goes.

The **raspberry flavor is absolutely divine**, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese. The natural sweetness and tartness of raspberries cut through the richness of the cheesecake, creating a perfectly balanced taste profile. This isn’t just a hint of berry; it’s a luscious burst of fruit in every bite, thanks to the generous swirls of jam throughout the filling.

Beyond taste, the **swirls are visually gorgeous**. The vibrant red of the raspberry jam against the creamy white cheesecake creates a stunning marbled effect that makes these bars incredibly appealing. They look sophisticated and inviting, making them a centerpiece-worthy dessert without requiring intricate decorating skills. The aesthetic appeal alone will have your guests reaching for more.

Finally, these bars achieve the **perfect amount of sweetness**. They are decadent without being cloying, striking a wonderful balance between the sugar in the cheesecake and the natural fruit sugars. This careful balance ensures that the distinct flavors of both the cream cheese and the raspberries shine through, resulting in a dessert that is truly satisfying and leaves you wanting just one more bite.

Key Ingredients

Creating extraordinary Raspberry Cheesecake Bars starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Quality matters, as does proper preparation. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

Crust Essentials

• Graham Crackers: The foundation of these bars is a classic graham cracker crust. For best results, crush them finely. You can achieve this using a food processor for consistent crumbs or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Finely crushed crackers ensure a cohesive and sturdy base that won’t crumble apart when sliced.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor and a delightful chewiness to the crust, complementing the graham crackers beautifully. While store-bought is perfectly fine, consider making your own homemade brown sugar for an even richer depth of flavor.
• Melted Butter: Unsalted melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar together, creating a firm, flavorful crust. Ensure the butter is fully melted and thoroughly mixed into the dry ingredients to prevent a dry or crumbly base.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt in the crust helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the graham crackers.

Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest texture. It is absolutely crucial that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream smoothly with the sugar and other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a velvety, light, and fluffy filling. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy batter and a denser cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness for the cheesecake, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese and lemon juice.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour acts as a stabilizer for the cheesecake, helping to prevent cracks and ensuring the filling sets properly. It contributes to the smooth, dense, yet creamy texture.
• Large Eggs: Eggs are vital for structure and richness. Like the cream cheese, ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. They help bind the filling and contribute to its signature creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient is a secret weapon for an incredibly rich and tender cheesecake. Sour cream adds a delicate tang that brightens the flavor profile and contributes to an exceptionally smooth and moist texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for seamless blending.
• Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract adds warmth and complexity, enhancing all the other flavors in the cheesecake. It’s a foundational flavor in almost any sweet baked good.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is a game-changer. It brightens the entire cheesecake, cutting through the richness and providing a subtle, refreshing zest that perfectly complements the raspberries.
• Salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the filling, just like in the crust, balances the sweetness and brings out the best in all the other flavors.

Vibrant Raspberry Swirl

• Raspberry Jam: The key to those stunning and flavorful swirls! You can use your favorite store-bought raspberry jam for convenience, or opt for a homemade version if you have it on hand. If your jam contains large seeds, you might consider straining it for a smoother swirl, though many enjoy the slight texture of the seeds. Make sure it’s a good quality jam with a concentrated raspberry flavor.

How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Creating these delightful Raspberry Cheesecake Bars is a straightforward process when you follow these steps carefully. The key is in the preparation and ensuring your ingredients are at the right temperature.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven.
  First, preheat your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cheesecake bars are ready to bake, which is crucial for even cooking. While the oven preheats, take an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it thoroughly with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the paper or foil hangs over the edges; these “handles” will make it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once cooled. As an extra precaution, you can lightly spray the parchment or foil with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumbs.
Next, you need to create your graham cracker crumbs for the crust. I highly recommend using a small food processor for this step, as it quickly grinds the crackers into a very fine, consistent texture. If you don’t have a food processor, no problem! Simply place the graham crackers in a sturdy Ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and use a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon to crush them into fine crumbs. The finer the crumbs, the more compact and stable your crust will be.

Step 3: Form the Crust.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and resemble wet sand. Once mixed, evenly press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a flat glass to compact the crust firmly. A well-compacted crust provides a sturdy base for your cheesecake bars.

Step 4: Begin the Cheesecake Filling.
Now, it’s time to prepare the luxurious cream cheese layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream these ingredients together on high speed. Beat until the mixture is beautifully light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and airy cheesecake texture, so don’t rush it.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients to Filling.
Once your cream cheese mixture is light and fluffy, reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. This prevents overmixing and incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking during baking. Gradually add the sour cream, room-temperature eggs, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the remaining pinch of salt. Mix just until all the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added.

Step 6: Ensure Smoothness.
Double-check that your cheesecake mixture is thoroughly combined and perfectly smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure no unmixed ingredients are clinging to the edges. A smooth batter is key to a uniform and creamy cheesecake layer.

Step 7: Create the Raspberry Swirl.
Carefully pour the smooth cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust in the baking pan. Spread it evenly to cover the entire crust. Now for the star of the show: drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam randomly over the top of the cream cheese mixture. Don’t worry about perfection. Then, take a small knife, a skewer, or even a toothpick and gently swirl the jam into the cream cheese. Create beautiful patterns and ensure the raspberry is distributed throughout. Be careful not to overmix the swirl, or the colors will fully combine instead of creating distinct patterns.

Step 8: Bake the Bars.
Place the baking pan, uncovered, into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still has a slight jiggle. This slight jiggle indicates that the cheesecake is cooked through but will continue to set as it cools, ensuring a moist and creamy interior. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture and cracks.

Step 9: Cool, Chill, Slice, and Serve.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. This slow cooling prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks. Once fully cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. For the absolute best results and a perfectly set, easy-to-slice bar, chilling overnight is ideal. After chilling, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the entire cheesecake slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board, use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between slices for neat cuts), and slice into individual bars. Now, they are ready to serve and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential to keep your Raspberry Cheesecake Bars fresh and delicious. Once the bars have cooled completely and have been chilled, cover them tightly. You can place them in an airtight container with a lid for maximum freshness, which is my preferred method as it’s very convenient. Alternatively, you can cover the pan itself tightly with several layers of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Stored in the refrigerator, these bars will maintain their quality and delightful flavor for up to 1 week. If you need to store them for longer, they can also be frozen. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

Achieving bakery-quality Raspberry Cheesecake Bars is easier than you think with a few expert tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help you perfect your technique and ensure every batch is a resounding success.

• Allow to Cool Completely and Chill Thoroughly: Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to cheesecake. It is absolutely crucial to allow the baked bars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. Once at room temperature, chill them in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours. However, for the most ideal texture and clean slices, chilling overnight is highly recommended. This allows the cheesecake filling to fully set and firm up, ensuring each bar holds its shape perfectly.
• Optimal Ingredient Temperatures: This is a golden rule for all cheesecake recipes. Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. Cold ingredients do not emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy batter and a denser, less creamy final product. Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, creating that signature light and airy cheesecake texture we all crave.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs – DIY vs. Store-Bought: While you can certainly buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs, crushing your own has several advantages. It’s often more cost-effective, and it allows you to control the fineness of the crumbs. For a perfectly uniform and compact crust, I recommend crushing them into fine crumbs using a food processor. If you don’t have one, a Ziplock bag and a rolling pin work wonders. The effort is minimal, and the savings add up!
• Invest in a Good Mixer: For that truly light and fluffy cream cheese mixture, a reliable mixer is invaluable. A stand mixer, like a KitchenAid, is fantastic for hands-free mixing and ensures thorough aeration. However, a good quality hand mixer will also do the job just fine. Just make sure to beat the cream cheese and sugar until they are really smooth and lump-free before adding other ingredients.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter (After Adding Eggs): While you want to beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, be careful not to overmix once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up too much during baking and then collapse or crack as it cools. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
• Achieving the Perfect Raspberry Swirl: For distinct, beautiful swirls, don’t stir the jam too vigorously into the cheesecake batter. Drop spoonfuls of jam onto the surface and then use a knife or skewer to gently cut through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Less is often more here to keep the contrasting colors vibrant.
• Clean Slices Every Time: To get neat, professional-looking bars, use a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Before each slice, run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking to the knife and dragging crumbs or filling, ensuring smooth, clean cuts.
• Try Other Fruits and Flavors: This recipe is wonderfully versatile! While raspberry is fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other types of jam or fruit sauces. Blueberry, strawberry, cherry, or even a mix of berries would be delicious. You could also drizzle a little melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra touch of decadence.
• Garnish for Elegance: Elevate your presentation by garnishing the cooled and sliced bars. Fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few mint leaves can add a beautiful finish and enhance the flavor experience.

More Cheesecake Bar Inspirations

If you love the convenience and deliciousness of cheesecake bars, there’s a whole world of flavors to explore beyond raspberry. These variations offer unique twists on the classic, ensuring there’s a cheesecake bar for every craving and occasion:

• Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Indulge in rich, gooey caramel swirled through a creamy cheesecake, often with a hint of sea salt for a balanced sweet and savory treat.
• Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A dream for chocolate cookie lovers! These bars feature crushed Oreo cookies in the crust and mixed into the cheesecake filling, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Slutty Cheesecake Bars: For the truly decadent, these layered bars typically include a chocolate chip cookie base, an Oreo layer, a rich brownie layer, and a cheesecake topping.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars: Combining two beloved desserts, these bars feature a chewy chocolate chip cookie dough crust and sometimes even cookie pieces within the creamy cheesecake layer.
• Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake: While technically not baked, this classic no-bake recipe can easily be adapted into bars, offering a quick and refreshing cheesecake experience with minimal effort.

Recipe Card

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are super easy to make and so delicious. You will love the swirls of raspberry in these decadent cheesecake bars.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Chill Time: 4 hrs
• Servings: 9
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Calories: 478 kcal
• Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 8 full Graham Crackers crushed into crumbs
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 4 Tbsp Butter melted
• 1/8 tsp Salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz Cream Cheese softened at room temperature
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 2 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1/8 tsp Salt

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1/2 cup Raspberry Jam

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
2. Crush up the graham crackers in a food processor to make graham cracker crumbs.
3. Mix together the crust ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl. Then press this mixture into the bottom of the 8X8 baking pan.
4. Then cream together on high with a hand held mixer or stand up the mixer, the cream cheese, flour and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Reduce the speed to medium and add in the sour cream, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Mix until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto of the crust in the 8X8 baking pan.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry jam onto the cream cheese mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the jam into the cream cheese mixture.
8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until set and slightly firm.
9. Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator before cutting and serving. Chill the bars for a minimum of 4 hours but overnight is ideal so that they can fully set.
10. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 478 kcal,
Carbohydrates 54g,
Protein 6g,
Fat 27g,
Saturated Fat 15g,
Trans Fat 1g,
Cholesterol 112mg,
Sodium 385mg,
Potassium 151mg,
Fiber 1g,
Sugar 42g,
Vitamin A 965IU,
Vitamin C 2mg,
Calcium 90mg,
Iron 1mg

Give this delightful recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for these Raspberry Cheesecake Bars again and again. Their vibrant flavor, creamy texture, and effortless preparation make them an instant classic. We would love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment and a star rating!