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Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and beautiful swirls of sweet-tart raspberry sauce. They're easy to make, perfect for parties, holidays, or weekend baking, and deliver all the flavor of a classic cheesecake in convenient bar form. If you're looking for elegant cheesecake bars, delicious raspberry bars recipes, or irresistible raspberry desserts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients
  

  • For the Graham Cracker Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 ounces 2 blocks cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • For the Raspberry Swirl
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries soften.
  5. Mix the cornstarch with the water, stir it into the raspberry mixture, and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired and let cool.
  6. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  7. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
  8. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
  9. Spoon small dollops of the raspberry sauce over the filling and use a knife or skewer to create decorative swirls.
  10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  11. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
  • Frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh—no need to thaw first.
  • For clean slices, chill thoroughly and wipe the knife clean between cuts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.