Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars

These raspberry cream cheese bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet-tart raspberry swirl. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a make-ahead treat, they are both elegant and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer a beautiful balance of textures and flavors: the buttery crust provides a solid base, the cream cheese layer adds richness, and the raspberry swirl brings a refreshing fruitiness. They are easy to portion, can be made ahead of time, and store well, making them ideal for entertaining or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers for the crust

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Granulated sugar

• Cream cheese, softened

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Raspberry preserves or seedless raspberry jam

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of sugar until combined. Press firmly into the prepared dish to form the crust.

3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly.

5. Warm raspberry preserves slightly and drop spoonfuls over the cream cheese layer. Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling and chilling time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Use blueberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves instead of raspberry for a different flavor profile.

• Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for extra sweetness.

• Incorporate a layer of fresh raspberries under the cream cheese filling for added texture and freshness.

• Substitute the graham cracker crust with an almond or shortbread crust for a richer taste.

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

Yes, but fresh raspberries should be lightly mashed with a bit of sugar to create a swirlable consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time slightly.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the texture may be less creamy and slightly firmer.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because they contain cream cheese, they must be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I prepare these the day before?

Absolutely. In fact, chilling them overnight enhances the flavor and makes them easier to cut.

How can I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars well before slicing also helps.

Can I use homemade raspberry jam?

Yes, as long as it is thick enough to swirl without making the filling watery.

What can I do if I do not have parchment paper?

You can grease the pan well with butter, though parchment makes removal easier.

Can I serve these warm?

They are best served chilled, as the cream cheese layer sets fully in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Raspberry cream cheese bars are a simple yet elegant dessert that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite. Their make-ahead nature and long storage life make them ideal for busy schedules and special occasions alike. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, these bars are sure to impress

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