Vibrant Rainbow Cheesecake Delight Bars
These Vibrant Rainbow Cheesecake Delight Bars are a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds! Inspired by the whimsical spirit of baking, this fun and colorful dessert features a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake swirled with brightly colored cake batter. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply to brighten your day, this recipe brings joy and sweetness to any gathering. Not only are they visually stunning, but they are surprisingly easy to make, allowing bakers of all skill levels to enjoy the creative process. Dive into a world of color and flavor that will delight both kids and adults alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
White cake mix
15 ounces (Dry ingredient)
Butter, melted
1/2 cup (Melted)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Milk
2/3 cup (Liquid)
Food coloring, neon pink
4 drops (Liquid colorant)
Food coloring, orange
4 drops (Liquid colorant)
Food coloring, purple
4 drops (Liquid colorant)
Food coloring, yellow
4 drops (Liquid colorant)
Food coloring, green
4 drops (Liquid colorant)
Food coloring, blue
4 drops (Liquid colorant)
Cream cheese, softened
12 ounces (Softened, for filling)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Sweetener)
Egg
1 (Beaten, for filling)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Liquid flavoring)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and 2/3 cup of milk. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are well mixed; the batter will resemble a thick brownie mixture.
3
Divide the batter equally into 6 separate bowls. Color each bowl with a different neon food coloring: one bowl each for purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink. Reserve 1 tablespoon of each colored batter for the topping.
4
Spoon teaspoonfuls of the colored batter into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, alternating colors as you go to create a fun, vibrant pattern.
5
With slightly dampened hands, gently press and flatten the batter in the pan to create an even layer.
6
To thin out the reserved tablespoons of colored batter, add 1.5 teaspoons of milk to each and stir until smooth.
7
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth.
8
Pour the cheesecake filling over the layer of colored cake batter in the pan. Drizzle the thinned-out colored batter over the cheesecake layer, then use a fork or knife to swirl it for a marbled effect.
9
Bake the uncovered bars in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent browning of the swirls and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 14 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
10
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up completely. The center will continue to set as it cools.
11
Once chilled, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil. Cut into 24 squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vibrant Rainbow Cheesecake Delight Bars?
They are colorful dessert bars that feature a creamy cheesecake layer swirled with six different colors of cake batter on a cake-based crust.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
What is the correct oven temperature for these bars?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
What ingredients make up the cake batter base?
The base consists of white cake mix, melted butter, one egg, and 2/3 cup of milk.
What should the consistency of the cake batter look like?
The batter should be thick, similar to a brownie mixture.
How many colors are used for the rainbow effect?
The recipe uses six colors: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and neon pink.
Why do I need to reserve a tablespoon of each colored batter?
The reserved batter is thinned out and drizzled on top of the cheesecake to create the marbled swirl effect.
How do I create the bottom layer pattern?
Spoon teaspoonfuls of the different colored batters into the bottom of the pan, alternating colors to create a vibrant pattern.
How can I flatten the thick batter without it sticking to my hands?
Use slightly dampened hands to gently press and flatten the batter into an even layer in the pan.
How do I thin out the reserved batter for the topping?
Add 1.5 teaspoons of milk to each reserved tablespoon of colored batter and stir until smooth.
What ingredients are in the cheesecake filling?
The filling is made of softened cream cheese, sugar, one egg, and vanilla extract.
How do I achieve the marbled effect on the top?
Drizzle the thinned colored batter over the cheesecake layer and use a fork or knife to swirl the colors together.
How long do the bars bake uncovered?
The bars initially bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Why should I cover the pan with foil halfway through baking?
Covering the pan tightly with aluminum foil prevents the colorful swirls from browning and losing their vibrancy.
How much additional time is needed after covering the pan?
Bake for an additional 14 to 20 minutes once the pan is covered.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.
How long should the bars cool before refrigerating?
Allow them to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Is refrigeration necessary for this recipe?
Yes, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up completely before cutting.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 square bars.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.
Can I use regular food coloring instead of neon?
Yes, regular food coloring works fine, though the colors may be less intense than neon shades.
Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of white?
You can, but a white cake mix allows the food coloring to appear more vibrant and true to shade.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure the cheesecake filling is smooth and free of lumps.
Are these bars suitable for a party?
Yes, their vibrant colors and easy-to-eat square shape make them perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Can I make these bars a day in advance?
Yes, making them in advance is recommended as they need several hours to chill and set.
How do I remove the bars from the pan easily?
Use the overhanging parchment paper or foil to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan once they are chilled.
What if I don't have all six colors of food coloring?
You can use fewer colors; simply divide the batter into fewer bowls and proceed with the same method.
Can I use a stand mixer for the cheesecake filling?
Yes, a stand mixer or hand mixer can be used to ensure the cream cheese mixture is completely smooth.
Is the cake base supposed to be crunchy?
No, the cake base should be soft and dense, providing a sturdy yet tender foundation for the cheesecake.