Delicious 12 Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Nothing says “Happy Fourth of July” like these showstopping Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars! Every summer, I wait for that first firework-filled weekend to make this recipe – it’s become as much a tradition in our family as sparklers and backyard barbecues. I’ll never forget the first time I brought these to my aunt’s potluck. The second I pulled them from the cooler, everyone’s hands were reaching for them before I could even finish saying “cheesecake bars!”

What makes these so special? They’ve got that rich, creamy cheesecake flavor we all love, but in easy-to-serve bar form with gorgeous patriotic swirls. No fancy decorating skills needed here – just drop spoonfuls of red and blue batter and give it one quick swirl with a knife. The secret’s in the fresh berry purees that give natural color and fruity bursts in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big Independence Day bash or just want something festive to enjoy with family, these bars always disappear faster than the fireworks!

I’ve made these for everything from Memorial Day cookouts to Labor Day parties, and let me tell you – nothing gets people more excited than seeing that red, white and blue peek through when you cut into them. They’re the kind of dessert that makes kids’ eyes light up and adults sneak second (okay, third) helpings when they think no one’s looking!

Why You’ll Love These Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Trust me, once you try these cheesecake bars, they’ll become your go-to patriotic dessert. Here’s why everyone goes crazy for them:

• So easy a kid could make them – No water baths or fancy techniques, just simple swirling that looks impressive
• Instant party vibes – That red, white and blue swirl makes people cheer before they even taste it
• Perfect for crowds – One batch makes 12 generous bars that disappear fast at potlucks
• Totally customizable – Use whatever berries you have (raspberries for red, blackberries for deeper purple)
• Make-ahead magic – They taste even better after chilling overnight, so no last-minute stress

My favorite part? Watching people’s faces light up when they see those patriotic colors peek through with each bite!

Ingredients for Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these patriotic treats – I bet you’ve got most of it in your kitchen already!

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheets, crushed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (that’s 2 standard blocks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (about 1/2 cup fresh strawberries blended smooth)
• 1/4 cup blueberry puree (about 1/2 cup fresh blueberries blended smooth)

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No fresh berries? No problem! Frozen work great for purees – just thaw and drain excess liquid. For the crust, gluten-free graham crackers or even vanilla wafers make fine swaps. If you’re in a pinch, you could use 1/4 tsp each of red and blue gel food coloring mixed into portions of batter instead of fruit purees (though the berry flavor is so good!). Just promise me you’ll use real butter – margarine makes the crust soggy!

How to Make Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Now for the fun part – turning these simple ingredients into showstopping patriotic treats! Don’t let the swirls intimidate you. I’ve made this dozens of times, and my secret is keeping everything cold and working quickly. Ready? Let’s get swirling!

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper (let some hang over the edges – you’ll thank me later!). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Press this firmly into the pan – I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This sturdy base keeps your cheesecake bars from crumbling when sliced!

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until completely smooth – no lumps allowed! Then add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each. Finally, stir in vanilla. Pro tip: Overmixing after adding eggs can make your cheesecake bars crack, so go easy once they’re in! The batter should be thick but pourable.

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Step 3: Create the Red and Blue Swirls

Here’s where the magic happens! Divide the batter evenly between three bowls. Stir strawberry puree into one portion and blueberry puree into another, leaving the third plain white. Now drop spoonfuls of each color randomly over the crust – don’t overthink it! Just go for a fun pattern. Then take a butter knife and make 3-4 gentle figure-eight swirls through the batter to marble it. The secret? Less is more – over-swirling makes muddled colors!

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Let cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour), then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours – this sets the swirls perfectly! Use the parchment paper “handles” to lift the whole slab out before cutting into clean bars with a warm knife. The wait is torture, but so worth it!

Tips for Perfect Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

After making these cheesecake bars more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect results every time:

• Chill like you mean it – That 2-hour fridge time isn’t optional! It sets the swirls and makes clean slices possible
• Berry best practices – Strain berry purees through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for smoother swirls
• Temperature matters – Room temp cream cheese blends smoother, but cold eggs prevent overmixing
• Swirl with confidence – One bold knife motion creates prettier patterns than timid little swirls
• Slice smart – Wipe your knife with a hot damp cloth between cuts for picture-perfect edges

My biggest tip? Make a double batch – these disappear faster than you can say “America the Beautiful!”

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Serving and Storing Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars taste best straight from the fridge – that cool, creamy texture is pure summer magic! I love arranging them on a platter with fresh berries scattered around for extra patriotic flair. A little whipped cream dollop on top never hurts either. For storage, keep them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). The crust stays surprisingly crisp, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just resist the urge to peek under the foil too often – every time you open the fridge, it’s harder not to sneak a bite!

Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars FAQs

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Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in these patriotic treats – but remember, these numbers are just estimates! Actual values can change depending on your specific ingredients and brands. One cheesecake bar (based on 12 bars per batch) contains roughly 220 calories, with 14g fat, 20g carbs, and 3g protein. They’re definitely an indulgence, but hey – it’s a holiday celebration! Moderation is key, but good luck stopping at just one.

Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

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Fun and festive cheesecake bars perfect for 4th of July celebrations. Swirled with red and blue for a patriotic touch.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (red)
• 1/4 cup blueberry puree (blue)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the pan to form the crust.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Divide the batter into three bowls. Stir strawberry puree into one and blueberry puree into another.
5. Drop spoonfuls of each batter onto the crust. Swirl gently with a knife.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen berries for the purees.
• Chill bars before serving for cleaner slices.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg