Irresistible Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Swirled Bars

There’s something magical about dessert bars that makes them the ultimate party starter. Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious, creamy cheesecake with swirls of vibrant red and blue—yes, I’m talking about Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Swirled Bars. These delightful treats are like fireworks for your taste buds, bursting with flavors that scream summer celebrations. Whether it’s the Fourth of July or just a regular Tuesday that needs spicing up, these bars are here to save the day. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made these scrumptious bars; it was a last-minute decision for a family picnic. I whipped them up in a frenzy, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than you could say “pass the dessert!” The way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite is a memory etched in my heart—and my waistline. They’re perfect for sunny picnics or cozy evenings at home, promising an unforgettable flavor experience.

One summer picnic, my cousin took one bite and proclaimed it “the best thing since sliced bread.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for the best crust texture; store-bought works great!

• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness to the crust; don’t skip this step.

• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can adjust based on your preference.

• Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together; make sure they’re at room temperature.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation for best results.

• Red and Blue Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives vibrant colors without adding too much liquid.

• Fresh Berries (optional): Strawberries and blueberries add extra flavor and freshness if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Swirled Bars

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Create the Cheesecake Batter: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing until well combined and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavoring: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the mixture followed by vanilla extract. Beat until smooth but avoid overmixing to keep it light.

Color Your Batter: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into three bowls. Use red food coloring in one bowl and blue in another while leaving one bowl plain for the white layer.

Create Your Swirls: Pour dollops of each colored batter into the prepared crust. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl through the colors gently—don’t overdo it; we want those beautiful waves!

Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let them cool completely before slicing—trust me, patience is key here!

Enjoy sharing these delightful bars with friends and family or keep them all to yourself—they’re simply irresistible!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best results, prepare the crust first while preheating the oven. Once baked, mix the cheesecake batter and swirl in the colors before baking again.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture. You can also add fresh fruit puree for extra flavor and color variations.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat briefly in the microwave.

I remember making these bars for Fourth of July last year, and my friends devoured every last crumb! It turned into a friendly competition over who could create the best swirl.

FAQ

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

How long do these cheesecake bars need to cool?

Let them cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating.

What’s the best way to cut cheesecake swirled bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts without crumbs.

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Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Swirled Bars

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These Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Swirled Bars are the perfect festive treat, bursting with creamy cheesecake flavor and vibrant colors. Ideal for summer celebrations like the Fourth of July or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence, these bars are simple to make and sure to impress. With a rich graham cracker crust and eye-catching swirls of red and blue, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp red gel food coloring
• 1/4 tsp blue gel food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time and then stir in vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Divide batter into three bowls; tint one with red food coloring, another with blue, and leave one plain.
6. Pour dollops of each color over the crust and use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the colors together.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For a lighter texture, substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese. Add fresh berries on top for extra flavor and garnish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.