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Firecracker Cheesecake Bars

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Tangy and creamy cheesecake bars with zesty fruit swirls, perfect for summer gatherings and quick to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup mixed berry compote or citrus marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon or orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbs are evenly moistened.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ⅔ cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Warm the fruit compote with lemon juice (and zest if using) until pourable but not hot.
  7. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust. Dollop spoonfuls of warm fruit mixture evenly over the surface.
  8. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the fruit through the filling, creating marbled patterns without over-swelling.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle. Cool in pan on wire rack for about 1 hour.
  10. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps and cracks. Warm the fruit compote before swirling to prevent sinking. Chill bars overnight for best texture and clean slices. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, firecracker cheesecake, fruit swirl dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, summer dessert, berry compote, zesty cheesecake

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/firecracker-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-zesty-fruit-swirl-dessert/