Can I use food coloring instead of berry purees?

You absolutely can, but the purees add such lovely fruity flavor! If using food coloring, mix 1/4 tsp gel color into each portion of batter (liquid coloring may thin it too much). The berry version tastes better, but hey - we've all been in a last-minute patriotic dessert emergency!

How far ahead can I make these 4th of July dessert bars?

They're perfect for making ahead! Bake them up to 2 days before serving - just store chilled in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve as they sit. For best texture, add fresh berry garnishes right before serving.

Can I freeze patriotic cheesecake bars?

Yes! Freeze them un-sliced for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cut. The crust softens slightly, but they still taste amazing. Perfect for when you need a last-minute red white and blue dessert!

Why did my swirls turn muddy?

The most common mistake is over-swirling! Just 3-4 gentle figure-eight motions with a knife creates perfect patriotic patterns. Also, make sure your colored batters are thick enough - if they're runny, the colors will bleed together.

What other berries work for this recipe?

Get creative! Raspberries make a vibrant red, blackberries give a deep purple-blue, and cherries work beautifully too. For white, you could even mix in some lemon zest for extra zing. The possibilities are endless!

Delicious 12 Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the pan to form the crust.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Divide the batter into three bowls. Stir strawberry puree into one and blueberry puree into another.
Drop spoonfuls of each batter onto the crust. Swirl gently with a knife.
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

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/red-white-blue-cheesecake-bars-recipe/