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Perfect Star-Spangled Cheesecake Bars Recipe Easy Patriotic Dessert with Graham Crust

star-spangled cheesecake bars - featured image
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These cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham crust, a light and creamy cheesecake filling, and a festive red, white, and blue berry topping, perfect for summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact the crumbs tightly. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy—no lumps! This can take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons sour cream.
  6. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the mixture, then gently fold it in to help stabilize the filling.
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top for a professional finish.
  8. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan.
  9. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and leave the bars inside for 15 minutes to prevent cracking.
  10. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  11. Before serving, top with sliced strawberries and blueberries arranged in a star-spangled pattern. Lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.
  12. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares (about 16 pieces), and serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly when done. Cool bars gradually in the oven with the door cracked to prevent cracks. Add fresh berries just before serving to keep them vibrant and juicy. Bars taste better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, graham crust, summer dessert, berry topping, easy cheesecake, Fourth of July dessert

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