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Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dessert

Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dessert

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.

 

Ingredients

Scale

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 9 graham cracker sheets (1 cup crumbs)
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼ cup salted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 blocks)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Topping:

  • ¾ cup raspberries (6 oz, fresh or frozen)
  • 4 Tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp lemon juice

Instructions

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!

Notes

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.