Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
User Reviews
5
Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
Description
The recipe begins with a crust made from finely crushed graham crackers combined with sugar, salt, and melted butter, pressed evenly into the base of a foil-lined baking pan. After a brief bake, the crust firms up to provide structure for the topping. The cheesecake filling mixes softened cream cheese with sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to achieve a smooth, rich texture with a bright citrus note. A small amount of flour is folded in to stabilize the filling.
Fresh blackberries are cooked down with sugar to create a puree that is swirled gently into the cheesecake layer before baking. This technique keeps the fruit’s vibrant color and balances richness with a natural tartness. Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit sets the layers without overcooking, preserving a creamy consistency.
These bars serve well chilled and are suitable for slicing into individual portions for gatherings or dessert after meals. The combination of buttery crust, creamy lemon cheesecake, and fruity blackberry swirl distinguishes this dessert.
For best results, prepare the blackberry puree one day ahead for convenience. The bars store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining freshness and texture.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 graham crackers 1/4 cups, pulsed into crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 8 tablespoons, melted
For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- cream cheese full-fat, very soft, four 8-ounce blocks
- 1 granulated sugar 1/4 cup
- 3 egg large eggs plus 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest fresh
- 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
- 1 all-purpose flour 1/2 tablespoon
For the Fresh Blackberry Swirl:
- 1 cup blackberry fresh
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
For the Crust:
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing two of the sides to overlap. Spray foil and any exposed pan with non-stick baking spray; set aside.
- In the body of a blender or food processor, combine graham crackers, sugar, and salt; pulse until the crackers have been completely transformed into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and stir well to combine. Press down evenly into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set aside to cool.
For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer (or in the bowl of a standmixer fitted with the paddle attachment) beat the cream cheese until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed; about 3 minutes. Add in the sugar, eggs, and egg yolks and beat until smooth and creamy; about 2 minutes. Turn the mixer off. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring until combined. Quickly fold in the flour, stirring just until combined. Pour the cheesecake batter on top of the partially baked crust. Set aside to make your blackberry swirl.
For the Fresh Blackberry Swirl:
- In a small food processor or blender, puree the blackberries until completely smooth. Press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, discarding seeds and pulp. Stir in the granulated sugar.
Assembly:
- Spoon the blackberry mixture on top of the unbaked cheesecake layer, a few dollops at a time. Use a skewer to swirl the mixture gently.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set at the edges and only slightly wiggly in the center. Place the pan of cheesecake bars on top of a wire cooling rack and cool at room temperature until the pan is no longer hot.
- Place cheesecake bars in the fridge until completely cooled, about 2 hours. When ready to serve, use the overlapped aluminum foil to lift the cheesecake out and onto a large cutting board.
- Cut cheesecake into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Prepare the blackberry puree up to a day in advance and refrigerate to streamline baking.
- Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to preserve freshness.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a pronounced citrus flavor in the cheesecake filling.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
