Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Dive into the delightful world of Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars—an easy-to-make summer dessert that's perfect for gatherings or a treat for yourself! This recipe features a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with your choice of berry jam, along with a graham cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch. While the original recipe calls for blueberries, feel free to get creative: we’ve substituted blackberry jam for a unique twist that brings bright flavor to every bite. Each bar is creamy yet refreshing, making them an ideal dessert for warm evenings spent with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 (tablespoons, melted)
graham cracker crumbs
2 (cups)
cream cheese
2 (packages (8 ounces each), softened)
sugar
3/4 (cup)
eggs
2 (large)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
berry jam
1 (jar (8 ounces, blueberry or blackberry preserves recommended))
fresh berries
1 (cup (blueberries or blackberries))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
3
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until well combined and creamy.
4
Stir the berry jam in a separate bowl until it becomes soft and spreadable. Evenly spread the jam over the graham cracker crust, then sprinkle the top with fresh berries.
5
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the jam and berries, spreading it out evenly.
6
Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheesecake is slightly puffed and set in the middle. Be careful not to overbake.
7
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
8
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars?
They are a delightful summer dessert featuring a creamy cream cheese filling swirled with berry jam on a crunchy graham cracker crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
You will need 6 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs.
How do I prepare the crust?
Combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A 9 x 13-inch baking pan is recommended.
How do I make the cream cheese filling?
Beat two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
This recipe requires 2 large eggs.
What type of jam can I use?
The recipe suggests blueberry or blackberry preserves, but you can use your favorite berry jam.
How do I prepare the jam for swirling?
Stir the berry jam in a separate bowl until it becomes soft and spreadable before adding it to the crust.
How is the jam applied to the bars?
Spread the softened jam evenly over the graham cracker crust before adding the filling.
When do I add the fresh berries?
Sprinkle fresh berries over the top of the jam layer before pouring the cream cheese mixture.
Which fresh berries work best?
Blueberries or blackberries are recommended for this recipe.
How is the cream cheese mixture added?
Carefully pour the mixture over the jam and berries, then spread it out evenly.
How long do the bars bake?
Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheesecake is slightly puffed and set in the middle.
How can I tell if the cheesecake is done?
The bars are done when the center is set and the top is slightly puffed.
Is it possible to overbake the bars?
Yes, be careful not to overbake them to maintain a creamy texture.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
Do I need to refrigerate the cheesecake bars?
Yes, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing.
What is the best way to serve these bars?
They are best served chilled and sliced into squares.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long do the bars stay fresh in the fridge?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use blackberry jam instead of blueberry?
Absolutely, blackberry jam provides a unique twist and bright flavor.
How many grams of sugar are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sugar.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe perfect for gatherings.
What is the texture of these bars?
They are creamy yet refreshing with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Are these bars suitable for summer?
Yes, they are described as an ideal summer dessert for warm evenings.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs?
While the recipe calls for graham crackers, you could experiment with other cookie crumbs, though the flavor will change.
What makes the 'swirl' effect?
The swirl effect is created by layering the jam and berries beneath the cream cheese mixture.