Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

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Smooth and creamy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars layered over a crisp graham crust—they are decadent but not overly sweet.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (1)
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  • Notes and substitutions
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  • Recipe FAQs
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Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (2)

Ingredients you’ll need

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (3)

Notes and substitutions

  • Raspberries: Use fresh or frozen raspberries. Blueberries, strawberries, and other types of berries will also work. As an alternative, you can use about 6 tablespoons of store-bought jam.
  • Graham crackers: Substitute with crunchy cookies like Biscoff, vanilla wafers, Oreo, or digestive cookies.
  • Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a good substitute—tangy like sour cream. You can also use heavy cream for a very creamy texture.
  • Cornstarch or flour: It makes cheesecake firm and easier to cut. The texture is very creamy without it; you can skip it if you are not particular about it.

How to make this recipe

Prep and organize

  • Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 325° F (165° C).
  • Grease an 8x8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • Measure the ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale, if available.
  • Bring the eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream to room temperature.
  • Melt the butter in the microwave.

Step 1: Combine 6 ounces of raspberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Mash them and reduce the liquid over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Stir it in.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (4)

Step 3: Let it thicken for about a minute to get a consistency like jam. Let it cool.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (5)

Step 4: Pulse about 10 graham cracker rectangles into fine crumbs in a food processor or crush them in a zip-top bag. Add ¼ cup melted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Process until combined.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (6)

Step 5: Spread the graham cracker mixture into the pan. Pack them down with a ramekin or the bottom of a glass. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (7)

Step 6: Combine 1 pound cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ cup sugar, ½ tablespoon cornstarch (or 1 tablespoon flour), a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a large bowl.

With a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat on medium-low speed until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides as needed.

Step 7: Add 2 eggs and mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause cracks on the surface.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (8)

Step 8: Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly with a spoon.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (9)

Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce on top. As an alternative, you can use your favorite jam instead.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (10)

Step 10: Create swirls using a knife, chopstick, or skewer.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (11)

Step 11: Bake for 30 minutes until the middle part is set and no longer wet.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (12)

Allow it to cool completely in the pan uncovered to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy and cause the layers to separate.

Refrigerate the cheesecake at least 4 hours before serving. Cut into individual portions and enjoy!

You may also like Cheesecake Brownies from Brownie Mix, Mango Cheesecake Bars, Tiramisu with Kahlúa, or Red Velvet Cupcakes.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (13)

Recipe FAQs

Why do ingredients need to be at room temperature?

It is easier to incorporate ingredients at room temperature without overmixing (e.g., eggs, cream cheese, sour cream, and butter). They mix evenly, producing a smooth batter with no chunks or lumps.

Why do you need to pre-bake the crust?

Prebaking will make the crust crispy and prevent it from getting soggy.

Why isn’t a water bath necessary?

A water bath bakes cheesecake slowly and creates moisture so the surface won't dry out and crack. You can skip this step by baking at a low temperature and not overbaking.

What causes cracks on the surface?

Cracks appear on the surface of the cheesecake as a result of overmixing and overbaking. A drastic temperature change may also be a reason, so let it come to room temperature before refrigerating.

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Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (18)

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📖 Recipe

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (19)

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Smooth and creamy cheesecake layered over a crisp graham crust swirled with raspberry on top.

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cool and Refrigerate: 5 hours hours

Total Time: 6 hours hours

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 195kcal

Author: Nora Rey

Cost: $10-$12

Equipment

  • Small saucepan

  • Food processor (optional)

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan

Ingredients

For the raspberry sauce (swirl)

  • 6 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries (see note)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the crust

  • cups graham cracker crumbs, about 10 rectangles (see note)
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark
  • Salt a pinch

For the cheesecake batter

  • 1 pound cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream at room temperature (see note)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tablespoon cornstarch sub: 1 tablespoon flour (see note)
  • Salt a pinch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 eggs at room temperature

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 325° F (165° C).

  • Combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Mash them and reduce the liquid over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

  • Prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Add it in and let it thicken for about a minute to get a consistency like jam. Let it cool.

  • Pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs in a food processor or crush them in a zip-top bag. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt; process until incorporated.

  • Spread the graham cracker mixture into the pan. Pack them down with a ramekin or the bottom of a glass. Bake it for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

  • Combine cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, cornstarch or flour, salt, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat on medium-low speed until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides as needed with a rubber spatula.

  • Add eggs and mix until just combined.

  • Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly with a spoon.

  • Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce on top. Create swirls using a knife, chopstick, or skewer.

  • Bake for 30 minutes until the middle part is set and no longer wet.

  • Allow it to cool completely in the pan uncovered to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy and cause the layers to separate.

  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Raspberries: Use fresh or frozen raspberries. Blueberries, strawberries, and other types of berries will also work. As an alternative, you can use about 6 tablespoons of store-bought jam.
  • Graham crackers: Substitute with crunchy cookies like Biscoff, vanilla wafers, Oreo, or digestive cookies.
  • Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a good substitute—tangy like sour cream. You can also use heavy cream for a very creamy texture.
  • Cornstarch or flour: It makes cheesecake firm and easier to cut. The texture is very creamy without it; you can skip it if you are not particular about it.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 443IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue

    So they are in the oven😊 I now ask, can the baked bars be frozen ??😂🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

    Reply

    • Nora Reyes

      Hi Sure, Sorry for the late response. Yes, you can definitely freeze the raspberry cheesecake bars! Just keep in mind the texture might change a bit when thawed — the crust may not be as crisp, and the filling might be a tad less creamy. But they'll still taste great! Wrap them well to protect the flavor and texture. 😊🍰❄️

      Reply

  2. Rachida

    How long ahead can you make the raspberry sauce?

    Reply

    • Nora Rey

      Sorry for the super late response. You can make the raspberry sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for about a week, or if you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for several months. To thaw, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

      Reply

  3. Linda

    Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (24)
    I am making this next!

    Reply

    • Nora

      Thanks, Linda! Let me know what you think! =)

      Reply

  4. Dennis

    Wow! This looks so creamy! Good job Nora

    Reply

    • Nora Rey

      Thank you, Dennis!!

      Reply

  5. Bim

    Wow, love this! Will make this in the future. I’m sure this is yummy.

    Reply

    • Nora Rey

      That's fantastic! I'm thrilled to hear you loved it! 🤩 Making it in the future sounds like a tasty plan.

      Reply

  6. Aurora

    Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (25)
    Such a pretty and delicious treat and is a party fav!

    Reply

    • Nora Rey

      Awesome! Thank you - So glad you liked it! 😄

      Reply

Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think:

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why were cheesecake bars discontinued? ›

The dessert was a refrigerated snack bar with a graham cracker base and cream cheese topping. They where available in various flavours but the most famous flavour was Strawberry Cheesecake. Unfortunately they where discontinued 2004-5, why? Kraft decided to stop them as they had challenges in the production.

How long does raspberry cheesecake last in the fridge? ›

This raspberry cheesecake is one of our favorite make-ahead desserts, perfect for entertaining. It can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to three days. Just be sure to let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving so it's not too cold, which would dull the flavor.

Why did my cheesecake bars crack? ›

The air you whip into the filling via high-speed beating creates pockets of steam as the cake bakes, which compromise the cake's solid structure and lead to cracks. To avoid this problem, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature and mix the filling slowly, just until combined.

Can cheesecake bars be left out? ›

Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content, and they're the primary ingredients in cheesecake, so when cheesecake is left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

Should cheesecake bars be jiggly? ›

Method 1: Give it a Jiggle

If the cheesecake looks nearly set and only a small circle in the center jiggles slightly, it's done. You might worry a runny middle means raw cheesecake, but it's totally safe and normal. The center will firm up as it cools on a cooling rack, resulting in the smooth surface you want.

Is it better to overcook or undercook cheesecake? ›

Avoid Overcooking

DON'T overbake. Overbaking a cheesecake can cause cracks on the surface. The center of the cheesecake should still be a little wobbly, the filling still pale, and the outer ring slightly puffy and firm. It will continue to cook as it cools and maintains that smooth and rich texture.

Do you bake a cheesecake on the top or bottom rack? ›

You can bake a cheesecake in a water bath, too, but you have to wrap the springform pan with foil to make sure the water doesn't seep in and make it soggy. Play it safe and put the roasting pan of water on the lower rack and bake the cheesecake on the rack above.

How many bars are in a 9x13 pan? ›

You will get6 bars with a little extra space for a sample for the cook, to taste for quality control. If 9" seem too long , cut in half and you will have a nice dozen. I spray my pans with oil so the food slips out easily, and I start by cutting the food in half; cut the halves in half; and so on.

Can I make a cheesecake a week ahead of time? ›

Make Ahead: The cheesecake can be made and stored in the springform pan in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap, up to two days ahead of time. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How to put parchment paper between cake slices? ›

As Daniela demonstrates in the video, take a small rectangular sheet of parchment paper and place it into the wedge of the sliced cake, covering the exposed layers. The parchment paper acts as a seal to lock in moisture and prevent the layers of fluffy cake from turning into a dry crumbly mess.

How to tell when cheesecake is going bad? ›

Fresh cheesecake usually has smooth, even edges and is soft. If it is stale, it will have crusty and broken edges, and if it is spoiled, the cheese filling will appear rubbery.

Can cheesecake sit out all day? ›

The USDA says to avoid the “danger zone” you must place a cooled cheesecake in the fridge within two hours. You can set a timer for yourself so you don't forget and risk wasting all that beautiful, rich dessert.

How long do you chill cheesecake base for? ›

Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely coated. Tip them into the prepared tin and press firmly down into the base to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 1 hr to set firmly. For more detail on how to make a biscuit base, take a look at our how to make a biscuit base video.

What happened to Philadelphia cheesecake bites? ›

And for those that don't know, the Philadelphia Cheesecake Snack Bar debuted in 1999, and it was essentially a portable cheesecake. that you find in the refrigerated aisle at. the grocery stores. But sadly, it was discontinued in 2004.

Why were secret bars discontinued? ›

The product was discontinued a couple of years later, due to high production costs and low volume of sales. In more recent years there have been a number of petitions, on websites such as Facebook, asking Nestlé to relaunch the Secret bar.

Why were Wonka bars discontinued? ›

Quaker Oats had a problem with the formulation of the bars and Wonka Bars had to be pulled from store shelves. Other varieties of Wonka Bars were subsequently manufactured and sold in the real world, formerly by the Willy Wonka Candy Company, a division of Nestlé.

Why did cheesecake fall? ›

When the batter is overmixed, too much air is added and will cause your cake to rise in the oven and then collapse and crack when being removed. Don't overbake your cake. It may crack if it's too dry. Many people overbake their recipes to “play it safe”.

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