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Perfect Stars and Stripes Cheesecake Bars

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Festive and easy-to-make cheesecake bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries and blueberries arranged in patriotic colors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a flat glass. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add sour cream and sugar, mixing until combined.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until batter is silky and slightly thick but pourable.
  6. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  8. Cool the bars at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best slicing.
  9. Once chilled, arrange sliced strawberries in rows on one side and blueberries on the other side to mimic stars and stripes.
  10. Optionally dust with powdered sugar. Slice carefully using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried between cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth batter. Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent cracks. The center should jiggle slightly when done baking. Chill overnight for best slicing. Fresh berries are preferred to avoid sogginess. Warm knife under hot water for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, strawberries, blueberries, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake, festive dessert

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/perfect-stars-and-stripes-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-for-festive-celebrations/