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To make these tasty bars, gather these key items: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), washed and hulled if needed - ½ cup sour cream - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients work together to create a creamy and fruity dessert. To make your cheesecake bars shine, consider these fun toppings: - Fresh berries (reserve some from your main mix) - A dusting of powdered sugar - Whipped cream - Mint leaves for a pop of color These toppings add extra flavor and a beautiful look. If you need substitutes, try these options: - Use graham cracker alternative for a gluten-free crust, like almond flour. - Swap cream cheese for a vegan version made from cashews. - You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. These alternatives allow anyone to enjoy these cheesecake bars! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool on a wire rack. While the crust cools, grab a large bowl. Beat 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, with no lumps. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Next, fold in ½ cup of sour cream and the zest of 1 lemon. Finally, add 1 cup of mixed berries, saving a few for topping later. Pour your cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle a bit. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares. Top each piece with the reserved berries for a lovely finish. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get a creamy texture, start with soft cream cheese. Beat it well until smooth. Add your eggs one at a time and mix slowly. This helps keep air out of the batter. Also, folding in sour cream gently gives a rich taste. Letting the bars cool completely before chilling in the fridge is key too. This sets the texture nicely. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This adds too much air and can cause cracks. Another mistake is not letting the bars cool enough before chilling. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. Finally, don’t skip the parchment paper. It makes lifting the bars out easy and neat. Toppings can really make these bars shine. Fresh berries add color and taste. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. A drizzle of berry sauce or a dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. Consider some lemon zest too for extra zing. These small details elevate your dessert and impress your guests. Pro Tips Chill the Bars: Make sure to refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter on low speed, and only until combined after adding the eggs, to avoid incorporating too much air which can cause cracks. Fresh Berries: Use fresh berries for the best flavor and presentation; frozen berries can release too much moisture during baking. {{image_4}} You can mix and match berries for fun flavors. Here are some ideas: - Strawberries and Raspberries: This duo offers a sweet and tart balance. - Blueberries and Blackberries: Choose these for a rich, deep flavor. - Mixed Berries: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful twist. Feel free to adjust the berry amounts. You can add more berries for a burst of flavor or swap them out for your favorites. If you want to make this dessert gluten-free, choose gluten-free graham crackers. The rest of the ingredients work well for gluten-free diets. Here’s how: - Graham Cracker Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones. Crush them like you would regular ones. - Check Labels: Ensure that your cream cheese and sour cream are gluten-free. They usually are, but it’s good to check. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty cheesecake bars, regardless of their diet. If you prefer a no-bake option, you can skip the oven. Here’s how: - Crust: Make the crust using crushed graham crackers and melted butter, just like before. Press it into the pan. - Filling: For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together. Add sour cream and berries. - Chill: Pour the filling over the crust. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. This no-bake version is easy to make and perfect for hot days. You still get the same great taste without needing to turn on the oven. To keep your Triple Berry Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. If you don’t have one, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the bars moist and flavorful. Remember to chill the bars completely before storing. This helps maintain their creamy texture. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for longer storage. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. These bars will stay fresh for about three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. When stored in the fridge, your cheesecake bars last about five days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage. If the bars change color or develop an off smell, it’s best to discard them. Proper storage keeps your dessert delicious for longer! Yes, you can use frozen berries. They work well in cheesecake bars. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This helps avoid extra moisture in your filling. You want the bars to set nicely. Frozen berries may not hold their shape as well, but they still taste great. Check the edges of the bars. They should be set and look firm. The center should still jiggle a bit when shaken. This jiggle means the filling will set as it cools. If the edges are brown, they may be overcooked. Keep an eye on them while baking, usually around 25-30 minutes. These cheesecake bars pair well with whipped cream. You can also serve fresh berries on the side. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a nice touch. For a fun twist, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These options enhance the flavors and make your dessert even more delightful! We explored how to make delicious Triple Berry Cheesecake Bars. You learned about the key ingredients, tips for the best texture, and fun variations. Remember to avoid common mistakes for amazing results. Store these treats properly to keep them fresh. If you follow these steps and suggestions, you'll impress everyone with your dessert skills. Enjoy every bite and share your successes with friends and family!

Triple Berry Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars filled with mixed berries and a graham cracker crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), washed and hulled if necessary
  • 0.5 cups sour cream
  • 1 zest of lemon

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough overhang on the sides to aid in lifting the bars later.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is uniform and resembles wet sand.
  • Press this graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined baking pan to create a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack.
  • While the crust cools, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated and there are no lumps remaining.
  • Incorporate the eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Be careful to avoid overmixing, as this can add unwanted air to the batter.
  • Next, gently fold in the sour cream and lemon zest using a spatula, just until combined. Then, carefully add the mixed berries, reserving a few for topping later.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even layer.
  • Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges of the cheesecake are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
  • After baking, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to achieve the best texture and flavor.
  • To serve, carefully use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares, sprinkle with the reserved berries on top, and serve chilled.

Notes

Arrange the bars on an elegant dessert platter. Garnish with a scattering of fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress!
Keyword bars, berries, cheesecake, dessert