Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, luscious cheesecake bar bursting with vibrant wild berries that literally explode with flavor in every single bite! These Wild Berry Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a gourmet celebration. Whether you're hosting a summer party, looking for a show-stopping potluck contribution, or simply craving a luxurious treat, these bars will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: dessert
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, spreading it smoothly with a spatula.
- Gently scatter mixed berries across the top of the cream cheese layer, distributing them evenly to ensure each bar will have a good amount of fruit.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to allow the bars to set completely.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled and store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free mixture.
- Crust Compression: When pressing the graham cracker crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a firm, even base.
- Berry Selection: Use fresh, ripe berries for the most intense flavor. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them to prevent excess moisture.
- Baking Precision: Watch the bars closely in the last few minutes of baking. They should be slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow complete cooling and chilling to achieve the perfect cheesecake bar texture and easy cutting.
- Clean Cut Technique: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts for perfectly smooth bar edges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
