Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy as it is eye-catching, these Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars are exactly what your summer table needs. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, and vibrant swirls of red and blue, these bars are perfect for patriotic holidays—or any day you want to add a pop of color and fun to your dessert tray. They’re simple to make, surprisingly quick to put together, and taste just as amazing as they look!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Holidays and Parties: Whether it’s the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or just a summer barbecue, these bars always steal the show.
• Fuss-Free Cheesecake: No water baths, no cracked tops—just smooth, luscious cheesecake every time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars chill beautifully, making them a dream dessert when you need to prep ahead.
• Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make: The color swirling step is not only easy but also super fun, especially for little helpers in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create a show-stopping treat:

• Graham Crackers: Crushed for the base, giving a sweet and slightly crunchy foundation.
• Butter: Melted to bind the crust and add rich flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat is best for a thick, creamy, and indulgent filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake just right without overpowering it.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cheesecake base.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and gives it a velvety texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and ultra-creamy consistency.
• Food Coloring: Red and blue gel food coloring provide vibrant, patriotic swirls.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh strawberries and blueberries for an extra pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

• Berry Swirl: Instead of food coloring, use spoonfuls of pureed strawberries and blueberries for a natural fruity swirl.
• Chocolate Crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed chocolate cookies for a fun twist.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Pour the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings—perfect for parties!
• No Food Coloring: Keep it classic and white, then decorate with fresh red and blue berries for a more natural look.

How to Make Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a bowl, mix well, then press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for a few minutes until golden and set.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat again until fluffy. Mix in vanilla, eggs one at a time, and sour cream until everything is perfectly blended and silky.

Step 3: Add the Color

Divide a small portion of the batter into two bowls. Tint one with red and the other with blue food coloring. Pour the plain batter over the crust, then dollop the red and blue on top. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the colors into a marbled design.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to set completely.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and top with fresh berries if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
• Don’t Overbake: Slight jiggle in the center is good—it firms up as it chills.
• Chill Thoroughly: These bars need time to set up for the cleanest slices, so be patient and chill for at least 4 hours.
• Use Gel Coloring: Gel food coloring is more vibrant and won’t water down the batter like liquid dyes can.

How to Serve

These cheesecake bars shine on their own, but here are a few extra ideas:

Garnishes:

Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries for an extra festive finish.

Dessert Platter:

Add them to a summer dessert board with chocolate-dipped strawberries, cookies, and fruit kabobs.

Drizzle:

A light drizzle of white chocolate or berry coulis over each slice makes a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat! These are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
It’s best to stick with full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions can make the filling watery and less creamy.

Do I have to use food coloring?
Not at all! You can skip the coloring and simply decorate the top with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a naturally red, white, and blue look.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For extra neat edges, dip the knife in hot water and dry it before slicing.

Final Thoughts

These Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars are the kind of dessert that brings smiles, not just because of how festive they look, but because of how rich and creamy they taste. With just a little effort and a whole lot of fun, you can whip up a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Go ahead, give them a try and make your next celebration extra special!

Print