Creamy berry cheesecake bars with a golden graham cracker crust and vibrant swirls of raspberry and blueberry, served on a plate with fresh berries and mint garnish.

Berry Cheesecake Bars

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Creamy, Fruity, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Looking for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and fruity freshness? These Berry Cheesecake Bars are your answer. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a swirl of juicy berries, they’re a crowd-pleaser at BBQs, potlucks, holidays, or casual weeknights.

Why You’ll Love Them

  • Rich and creamy – Classic cheesecake flavor in an easy-to-slice bar.

  • Fruit-forward – Fresh or frozen berries add color and tang.

  • Portable – Easier to transport than a full cheesecake.

  • Make-ahead friendly – Great for prepping the day before a party.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Berry Swirl:

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

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • Optional: cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) for thickening

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep Pan
    Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper.

  2. Make the Crust

    • Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

    • Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.

  3. Make the Berry Swirl

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice.

    • Cook until berries break down and mixture thickens slightly (use cornstarch slurry if needed). Set aside to cool.

  4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling

    • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

    • Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.

  5. Assemble Bars

    • Pour cheesecake filling over the crust.

    • Spoon berry mixture on top in small dollops, then swirl gently with a knife or skewer.

  6. Bake
    Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until center is just set. Cool completely, then chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing.

Tips & Variations

  • No fresh berries? Use high-quality fruit preserves or frozen berries.

  • Want a crunch? Add chopped nuts to the crust or topping.

  • Lighter version: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and reduce sugar slightly.

  • Flavor boost: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake batter for brightness.

Final Thoughts

Berry Cheesecake Bars combine everything we love about cheesecake with a fruity twist and a bar-friendly format. They’re elegant enough for guests but easy enough for everyday baking. Make a batch, chill, slice, and watch them disappear.

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