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Perfect Red White and Blue Layered Flag Cheesecake Bars

red white and blue layered flag cheesecake bars - featured image
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These easy, festive cheesecake bars feature distinct red strawberry, white cheesecake, and blue blueberry layers, perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add ⅓ cup sugar and mix well. Beat in egg until just combined, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until smooth but do not overbeat. Spread evenly over cooled crust.
  3. In a blender or food processor, puree chopped strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until smooth. Pour into a small saucepan, stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and cool completely. Spread gently over cheesecake layer.
  4. Repeat the same process for blueberries: puree with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch, cook until thickened, cool completely, and spread over strawberry layer.
  5. Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  6. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to cut neat bars. Clean knife between cuts for clean edges. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Do not overmix cheesecake layer to prevent cracks. Puree fruit thoroughly for smooth layers. Use cornstarch to thicken fruit layers and prevent bleeding. Chill bars overnight for best results. Warm knife blade between cuts for clean edges. Frozen berries can be used if fresh are unavailable; thaw and drain excess water before use. For gluten-free option, substitute almond flour for graham cracker crumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, red white and blue dessert, layered cheesecake, berry cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-layered-flag-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-patriotic-dessert-idea/