Berry Cheesecake Bars

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.