Unveil the magic of these Triple Berry Crumble Cheesecake Bars, where the lushness of mixed berries meets the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all topped with a golden crumbly crust. This recipe combines the tartness of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries with a silky cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that's as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: These cheesecake bars offer a symphony of flavors and textures, from the crunchy, buttery crust to the creamy filling and the sweet-tart berry topping. Each layer complements the others perfectly, making for a balanced and irresistible treat. Whether you're a berry lover or a cheesecake aficionado, these bars are sure to delight.
Perfect Occasions for This Dessert: Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, and family reunions, these cheesecake bars make a great addition to any dessert table. They're also perfect for holiday celebrations or as a special treat to brighten up a weekend. Their easy portability makes them excellent for potlucks and outdoor events.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy effect.
- Garnish with fresh berry halves to enhance the visual appeal and hint at the flavors inside.
- Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added luxury.
- Drizzle with a berry coulis to amplify the fruitiness.
Ingredients:
For the Berry Mixture:
- 2 cups assorted berries (such as 1 cup blackberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cubed
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- Prepare the Berry Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let stand for 30 minutes, then drain, reserving the juices for other uses or discarding.
- Make the Crumb Topping:
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, and salt. Work in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press together to form small chunks. Chill until needed.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Bake for 5 minutes until set.
- Cheesecake Filling & Assembly:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and salt until smooth. Incorporate the heavy cream and vanilla, then beat in the eggs one at a time until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust. Evenly distribute the drained berries over the cheesecake layer, then sprinkle with the prepared crumb topping.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the center of the cheesecake is set but still slightly wobbly (internal temperature should reach 145°-150°F).
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate until fully set, about 2-3 hours, before cutting into bars.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then lift out using the overhang if lined with parchment, or cut directly in the pan.
Enjoy these Triple Berry Crumble Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of fruity and creamy flavors that are sure to satisfy any dessert craving!