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Easy Patriotic Flag Cheesecake Bars

patriotic flag cheesecake bars - featured image
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These festive cheesecake bars feature a bold red, white, and blue flag pattern with a creamy cheesecake filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for 4th of July celebrations and summer parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan, making an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  2. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream or Greek yogurt until silky and pourable but thick.
  3. Pour half the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Arrange sliced strawberries in a rectangle in the top left corner of the pan.
  4. Place blueberries in neat rows over the strawberry rectangle to represent the stars section. Spoon remaining cheesecake filling over the rest of the pan carefully to keep berries in place.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 325°F (163°C), until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Avoid overbaking.
  6. Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  7. Slice bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Serve chilled or slightly cooled.

Notes

Let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Pat frozen berries dry before use to prevent watery cheesecake. Bake at a lower temperature to prevent cracking and maintain creamy texture. Use parchment paper to line pan for easy removal. Bars taste better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, 4th of July, easy cheesecake, berry cheesecake, summer dessert, graham cracker crust

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-patriotic-flag-cheesecake-bars-recipe-for-perfect-4th-of-july-treats/