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Perfect Stars & Stripes Cheesecake Bars

Stars & Stripes Cheesecake Bars - featured image
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These easy and festive cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries and blueberries arranged to mimic the stars and stripes, perfect for patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Pack it firmly.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle.
  7. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  8. Arrange blueberries on one corner to form the ‘star’ section, then line up sliced strawberries in rows to mimic stripes.
  9. Optional: Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
  10. Cut into bars and serve chilled. For clean edges, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumps and cracks. Do not overmix the filling to prevent air bubbles. Bake at 325°F to avoid cracking. Cool gradually before refrigerating. For clean cutting, dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, easy cheesecake, stars and stripes dessert, berry cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-stars-and-stripes-cheesecake-bars-easy-patriotic-recipe/