Name: Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup Raspberries; ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar; 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice; 1 ½ Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs; 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar; ¾ Cup Salted Butter, melted; 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened; ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar; ⅓ Cup Heavy Cream; 1 Large Egg; 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

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These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars? Oh wow, they’re like cheesecake made easy.
The first time we baked them, they were gone in minutes.

The crust is buttery and crisp. The cheesecake layer is creamy and smooth.
And the raspberry swirl? Sweet, tangy, and so pretty.

We love making them because they’re simple but taste amazing.
Perfect for parties, snacks, or just a sweet little treat after dinner.

Let’s bake a batch together. I’ll show you how quick and fun these bars really are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reader Favorite: I’ve received rave reviews, and it’s no wonder why. These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars have earned a “thumbs up” from everyone who has tried them. It’s an easy recipe with irresistible results!
Balanced Sweetness: The tartness of the raspberries combined with the creamy richness of the cheesecake layer gives you the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Effortless to Make: No need to worry about complicated steps. These cheesecake bars come together in no time and are baked to perfection.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special holiday, a birthday party, or a simple family gathering, these bars are the perfect treat to wow your guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make them ahead of time and store them for a day or two. They only get better with time!

Now, let’s dive into the recipe.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, make sure you have these essential tools:

9×9-inch Baking Pan: This size will ensure that your bars have the perfect thickness.
Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients for the crust, filling, and raspberry preserves.
Electric Mixer: Helps create a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure that each ingredient is perfectly measured.
Spatula: For evenly spreading the filling and preserves.
Parchment Paper: To make it easy to remove the bars after baking.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Raspberry Preserves:

1 Cup Fresh Raspberries: You can use frozen raspberries too, just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the raspberries while they cook down.
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch: This thickens the preserves and gives it a jam-like consistency.
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy twist that complements the raspberries beautifully.

For the Crust:

1 ½ Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of the crust. You can make crumbs by crushing the crackers in a plastic bag or using a food processor.
2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Adds a little sweetness to the crust.
¾ Cup Salted Butter: Melted butter binds everything together and adds richness to the crust.

For the Filling:

8 Ounces Cream Cheese (softened): The key ingredient for that rich, creamy cheesecake texture.
⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the tanginess of the raspberries.
⅓ Cup Heavy Cream: This adds the luscious texture to the cheesecake layer.
1 Large Egg: Helps to bind the filling together.
2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling.

Variations for Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

While this recipe is already a classic, there are a few ways you can get creative and customize these bars based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Berry Variations: Swap raspberries for other berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You could even mix a few different berries together for a vibrant swirl.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or even use crushed almonds or oats for a gluten-free crust.
Add Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a richer, decadent treat.
Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the filling for a fresh citrusy zing that pairs perfectly with the raspberry preserves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Preserves

Start by preparing the raspberry preserves. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh raspberries and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the raspberries start to break down and release their juices.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Next, it’s time to make the crust. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly combined and the crumbs are coated with the butter.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the crust is cooling, make the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to beat until fluffy.

Next, add the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and well combined. The filling should be thick but smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Now comes the fun part: assembling the bars! Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out and make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Once the filling is spread out, spoon dollops of the raspberry preserves over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the preserves into the filling, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. You can check the doneness by gently tapping the pan—if the filling jiggles slightly but is mostly set, it’s ready.

Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. After they’ve cooled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to set properly.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are chilled and set, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles. Serve them as-is or garnish with extra fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These bars are sure to impress!

How to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

As a Simple Dessert: Serve the bars on their own with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat.
For Special Occasions: Serve them at holiday gatherings, birthdays, or potlucks to wow your guests.
With Fresh Fruit: Top the bars with extra fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a fresh and vibrant look.
With Chocolate: For the chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bars for an extra indulgent touch.

Storing Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

To keep these bars fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly:

In the Fridge: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cold will help keep the texture creamy and firm.
Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully! Just slice them into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours.