Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, fruity, and delightfully crunchy, these Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are bound to become your new go-to treat. Each bar features a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky smooth cheesecake center studded with juicy raspberries, and a golden crumble topping that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic or need a special make-ahead dessert for family gatherings, Raspberry Cheesecake Bars deliver big on flavor, with a presentation that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Raspberry Cheesecake Bars lies in the way each simple ingredient layers together to create showstopping texture and color. From the warm, toasty crust to the vibrant burst of raspberries and buttery crumble, every element plays a vital role for the perfect bite.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These are the backbone of the crust, lending a sweet, nutty base that holds everything together.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter binds the crumbs and ensures a crunchy, golden crust and rich crumble topping.
- Granulated sugar: You’ll use this both in the crust and cheesecake layer, adding just enough sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the show, this makes the cheesecake layer wonderfully creamy and smooth—don’t skip softening it for easy blending.
- Eggs (room temperature): Eggs give the filling structure and silkiness, helping everything set up just right as it bakes.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the full flavors of both cream cheese and raspberries beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Salt sharpens and balances the sweetness throughout the layers, making every bite pop.
- Fresh raspberries: Plump, tart, and juicy, raspberries are the star fruit here—use fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect crumbly texture for the irresistible streusel topping.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar adds rich sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the topping.
How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the edges. This simple trick makes lifting out the bars and cutting them a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix and Press the Crust
In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture is evenly moistened and looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This sturdy, flavorful base sets the stage for all the delicious layers to come.
Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Filling
With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed until the mixture is extra smooth—no lumps allowed! Carefully spread this creamy layer over your graham cracker crust, using a spatula to ensure it’s nice and even.
Step 4: Add the Fresh Raspberries
Sprinkle the fresh raspberries evenly over the cream cheese mixture. If your berries are on the larger side, cut them in half so each bar gets plenty of flavor in every bite. Gently press the berries into the cream cheese so they nestle in without sinking too far.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir in the melted butter until small clumps form—the goal is a crumbly, sandy texture here. Crumble this mixture generously over the raspberries and cheesecake layer.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the Raspberry Cheesecake Bars for 35-40 minutes. When the center is just set and the crumble topping has turned golden, they’re perfect! Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour—patience pays off for clean slices).
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Transfer the cooled bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour (longer if you can wait!). This step sets the cheesecake filling and makes it so much easier to achieve beautiful, tidy bars. Use the parchment overhang to gently lift the whole slab from the pan, then cut into squares and dig in!
How to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Once your Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are sliced, you can keep things classic with a light dusting of powdered sugar or amp up the elegance by garnishing each bar with a single fresh raspberry or a few curls of white chocolate. A sprig of fresh mint adds a beautiful pop of green if you really want to wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These bars truly shine on their own, but they also play well with velvety whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a little pool of raspberry coulis for extra drama. Pair with fresh-brewed coffee or a sparkling lemonade to round out a lovely afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Raspberry Cheesecake Bars into bite-sized squares for dessert platters, or serve them in cupcake liners for party-perfect individual portions. Layer small bars into parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra berries for an easy, show-stopping trifle twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Raspberry Cheesecake Bars at their peak, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—though they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for a later treat, you’re in luck: Raspberry Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
While these bars taste best chilled, if you prefer them a little closer to room temperature, let them sit out for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid the microwave, as it can melt the crumble and make the cheesecake texture less than perfect.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can substitute frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available—just use them straight from the freezer and don’t thaw first, as they may otherwise release too much moisture into the cheesecake layer.
How do I keep the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Overbaking is the most common culprit for cracks, so be sure to bake just until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Chilling the bars as directed helps firm them up smoothly.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with another option?
Definitely! Try crushed vanilla wafers or even shortbread cookies for a fun twist. Just be sure to keep the same ratio of crumbs to butter for the right texture.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
The secret is chilling the Raspberry Cheesecake Bars thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for picture-perfect bars every time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan, and adjust the baking time as needed—typically adding 5 to 10 more minutes until the center is set and the topping is golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as gorgeous to serve as it is delicious to eat, these Raspberry Cheesecake Bars check every box. They’re bright, creamy, and irresistibly crumbly—just the kind of treat you’ll want to make on repeat. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try; I guarantee you’ll savor every sweet-tart, buttery bite!
Print
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh raspberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust with these Raspberry Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crushed graham cracker sheets)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Raspberry Layer:
- 2 cups (250 g) fresh raspberries
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Line baking dish. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make crust. Press into pan. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over crust. Beat the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Spread the mixture over the crust.
- Scatter raspberries over cream cheese layer. Evenly distribute the fresh raspberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Make crumble. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter to form a crumbly dough.
- Sprinkle crumble over the top. Spread the crumble topping over the raspberries.
- Bake the bars. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
- Let cool at room temperature. Allow the bars to cool for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Chill bars in refrigerator. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can customize these bars with your favorite berries or a mix of berries.
- For a citrusy twist, add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, Cheesecake Recipe, Dessert Bars, Raspberry Desserts
