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Easy Patriotic Star-Spangled Cheesecake Bars

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These cheesecake bars are a festive and easy dessert perfect for 4th of July celebrations, featuring a buttery crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and fresh berry star decorations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup 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). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly moistened.
  3. Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition.
  6. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  7. Pour the filling over the warm crust and smooth the top gently.
  8. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut stars out of strawberries and blueberries. Arrange the berry stars on top of the cheesecake filling, pressing gently.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  11. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Cut into 12 squares and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Let cream cheese soften for at least an hour or microwave briefly to avoid lumps. Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent cracks. Press crust firmly and bake before adding filling to keep it crunchy. Bake until center jiggles slightly for creamy texture. Cool completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess. Frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, 4th of July dessert, patriotic dessert, berry cheesecake, easy cheesecake bars, star-shaped dessert, summer dessert

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-patriotic-star-spangled-cheesecake-bars-recipe-perfect-for-4th-of-july-celebrations/