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Creamy Cheesecake Bars Recipe Perfect for Fresh Berry Lovers

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These creamy cheesecake bars topped with fresh, juicy berries offer a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, buttery graham cracker crust, and the burst of sweetness from ripe berries. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing or indulging yourself.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups fresh mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly combined and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  2. While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better) to fully set.
  4. While the cheesecake is chilling, toss your fresh berries with sugar (if using) and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so they release their juices and become even more flavorful.
  5. Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, gently spread the berry mixture over the top. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Make sure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth filling.’, ‘Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent cracks during baking.’, ‘Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.’, ‘Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and clean slicing.’, ‘Choose ripe, fresh berries for the topping to enhance flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, berry dessert, creamy cheesecake, easy dessert, summer dessert, party dessert, berry cheesecake