There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tangy raspberry swirls. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to something extra special. I made these for a family gathering once, and they were gone before I could grab seconds! The layers of buttery crust, luscious cheesecake, and swirled raspberries make each bite pure perfection.
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
For the Raspberry Topping:
Step 1: Make the Crust
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil.
2️⃣ Pulse graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor. Mix crumbs with brown sugar and melted butter until fully combined.
3️⃣ Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan using a measuring cup. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool for at least 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
1️⃣ In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth (2-3 minutes).
2️⃣ Add sugar and mix until combined.
3️⃣ Lightly beat eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the cream cheese mixture, half at a time, mixing until smooth.
4️⃣ Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Make the Raspberry Topping
1️⃣ Add raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Heat on high until it begins to boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring often.
2️⃣ Once thickened, set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
1️⃣ Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth with a spatula.
2️⃣ Drizzle raspberry topping over the filling. Use a chopstick or knife to swirl it gently for a beautiful marbled effect.
3️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes. The center should be set but still jiggle slightly. Let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight).
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
Carefully slice into bars and serve. These are perfect on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream!
Pro Tip: Want a neat slice? Wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
These Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering—or make your quiet evenings a little sweeter.