These cranberry cheesecake bars are a tasty treat with a smooth creamy layer on a crumbly crust. The tart cranberries add a bright splash of flavor that makes each bite special!
I love how these bars are both easy to make and oh-so-delicious! Perfect for sharing, or just keeping for myself (no judgment here!). 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These create a delightful base. If you need a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs instead.
Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, but it may be a tad less creamy.
Sour cream: This adds richness to the filling. For a tangy twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt, which also works well!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen cranberries work just as well. Just thaw and drain them before use. You can also swap in other berries like blueberries or raspberries if you prefer something sweeter.
How Do You Get the Perfect Swirl in Your Cheesecake Bars?
Getting a great swirl of cranberry in your cheesecake is all about timing and technique. Follow these steps for the best results:
- After pouring the cheesecake filling into the crust, let it settle for a minute before adding the cranberry mixture.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture in dollops on top of the cheesecake layer. You want random spots, not an even layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cranberry into the cheesecake. Don’t overdo it; a few swirls will create that beautiful marbled look!
Remember, you can always test the swirl on a small section first to see how it works before going all in. Enjoy making these delicious bars! 🍰
Easy Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Cranberry Swirl:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes baking time, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) to fully set. So plan to spend a relaxing afternoon preparing this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to make an even crust. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes to set. Once done, take it out and let it cool a bit.
2. Make the Cranberry Swirl:
While the crust is cooling, grab a small saucepan and add the cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook this over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens further. Then remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to mix until well combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is nice and smooth.
4. Assemble the Bars:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Spoon dollops of the cranberry mixture on top of the cheesecake layer. Using a knife or skewers, gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the cheesecake for a marbled effect—be careful not to over-mix!
5. Bake the Bars:
Pop the assembled pan back into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before placing them in the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let them set properly.
6. Serve:
Once chilled and set, cut the cheesecake into squares and serve to enjoy! If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy every scrumptious bite of these creamy, tangy cranberry cheesecake bars that perfectly balance the richness of cheese with the burst of fresh berries! 🍒🧀
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Swirl?
Absolutely! While cranberries are a fantastic choice, you can substitute them with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free crumbs or use ground almonds or oats. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What Should I Do if My Cheesecake Bars Are Too Soft?
If your cheesecake bars are too soft after baking, make sure to chill them longer in the refrigerator. Sometimes, they need a good 6-8 hours or even overnight to set properly. If they still seem too soft, you may want to add a little more cornstarch the next time for extra firmness.
How Can I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, these bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap them securely and label them for easy identification!
