Perfect Star-Spangled Cheesecake Bars
Easy and patriotic cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh berry topping perfect for summer celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced thinly
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- Make the graham crust: Place graham cracker crumbs in a bowl. Add melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup to press down for a compact crust. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream, beating just until combined.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly but set at the edges.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, arrange fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries on top to mimic the American flag’s stars and stripes. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
- Slice into bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for clean edges.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling. Do not overmix to avoid cracks. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill bars for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture. Warm knife before slicing for clean edges. Optional water bath can be used for extra creamy texture but is not necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of the
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 5
Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, graham crust, easy cheesecake, 4th of July dessert, summer dessert, berry topping