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Creamy Star-Spangled Berry Cheesecake Bars

star-spangled berry cheesecake bars - featured image
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These creamy cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling with a hint of lemon zest, and a fresh berry topping, perfect for summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
  7. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Pour filling over the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  10. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  11. Before serving, scatter sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on top.
  12. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Mix filling gently after adding flour to keep bars light. Chill bars for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture. Tent pan with foil if edges brown too quickly. Dip knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean slices. Fresh berries provide best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, berry dessert, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, easy cheesecake, fresh berries, graham cracker crust

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-star-spangled-berry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-fresh-berries/