Celebrate the essence of summer with these delightful Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, which perfectly blend a crispy crumb crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer, topped off with a vibrant raspberry sauce. This dessert captures the light and fruity flavors of summer, making it an ideal treat for warm weather. Each bar offers a satisfying texture contrast—from the buttery base to the velvety filling and the fruity, slightly tart topping.
Why You'll Love This:
These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of fruit and cheesecake. The homemade raspberry sauce provides a fresh and tangy contrast to the richness of the cheesecake, making each bite refreshingly delightful. The ease of preparation, combined with the ability to make them ahead of time, makes this dessert perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a special treat to enjoy at home.
Perfect Occasion:
These cheesecake bars are perfect for any summer event—be it a backyard BBQ, a family reunion, or a casual get-together with friends. They are also great for holiday celebrations like the Fourth of July or Labor Day, offering a sweet and refreshing end to any meal. Plus, their easy portability makes them a fantastic choice for outdoor picnics or beach days.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, top each bar with a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf before serving. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little more raspberry sauce for added flavor and visual appeal. If serving at a party, consider adding edible flowers for a festive and colorful presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Lotus cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 16 ounces softened cream cheese (two blocks)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Pulse Lotus crackers in a food processor until they become fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs with melted butter in a large mixing bowl until well mixed.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a prepared pan using a ½ cup measuring cup. Bake for 8 minutes, then allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add ½ cup sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
- Lightly beat the eggs in a separate bowl and gradually add to the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the sour cream and vanilla extract, and whip until the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Raspberry Sauce:
- Combine raspberries, 4 tablespoons sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a slow boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring regularly, until a thick sauce forms. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Drizzle the raspberry sauce over the filling and swirl with a fork to slightly mix the layers.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, then refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve:
- Slice the cheesecake into bars and serve chilled.
Enjoy these lusciously fruity Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, a perfect summertime treat that’s sure to delight!