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Perfect Berry Flag Cheesecake Bars

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Easy, festive cheesecake bars topped with fresh berries arranged like a patriotic flag. Perfect for 4th of July and other celebrations, these bars combine a creamy cheesecake base with a buttery crust and juicy berries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or powdered sugar for glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until well mixed and resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Arrange fresh blueberries in the top left corner to mimic stars, then create alternating rows of sliced strawberries and raspberries for stripes. Optionally brush berries with honey or sift powdered sugar over the top.
  10. Slice bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water before each cut. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and serve chilled.

Notes

Soften cream cheese fully before mixing for smooth batter. Mix gently after adding eggs to avoid cracks. Use room temperature eggs. Bake until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Cool gradually before refrigerating. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Warm knife under hot water before slicing for clean cuts. Fresh berries are best for topping but thawed frozen berries can be used if drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, berry cheesecake, patriotic dessert, 4th of July dessert, easy cheesecake, berry flag dessert

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/perfect-berry-flag-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-patriotic-dessert-ideas/