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Creamy Valentine’s Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Bars

Creamy Valentine’s Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Bars - featured image

These luscious mousse bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake mousse and a vibrant raspberry swirl, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons raspberry jam or preserves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and feel like wet sand.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into a 9×9-inch baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  3. In a small bowl, mash fresh raspberries with raspberry jam (if using) and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks using an electric mixer.
  6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula with slow, sweeping motions to keep the mousse light and airy.
  7. Pour half of the mousse over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Dollop half of the raspberry mixture over the mousse and swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer. Repeat with remaining mousse and raspberry mixture.
  8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the mousse set.
  9. Cut into bars using a sharp knife dipped in warm water between cuts for clean edges. Garnish with extra fresh raspberries if desired.

Notes

Use cold mixing bowls and beaters to whip cream faster and hold shape better. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to avoid lumps. Fold whipped cream gently to keep mousse airy. Press crust firmly and chill well before adding mousse to prevent sogginess. Cut bars with a warm knife for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: raspberry cheesecake bars, mousse bars, Valentine’s Day dessert, creamy cheesecake, raspberry swirl, easy dessert bars