These raspberry cheesecake bars are refreshing and have a flavor combination that is simply amazing. Made with a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a cheesecake filling, a homemade raspberry topping, and then topped with a rich and crunchy brown sugar pecan topping that is absolutely incredible.
The only thing better than a fruity cheesecake is one you can eat with your hands. I love making cheesecake bars because they’re as fun and cute as they are delicious. That’s especially true when they feature fruit! I love to serve these raspberry cheesecake bars when my kids come to visit, at potlucks, or just as a dessert or afternoon snack for me and my guy. They’re so easy and delicious, there’s never really a wrong time to make them!
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
These delicious bars start with a graham cracker crust that I bake until golden. Then, I top it with a rich cheesecake batter and a sweet raspberry sauce that I swirl together just a bit to make a pretty pattern. I top the whole thing with a sweet and crunchy brown sugar pecan topping and bake it until the topping is golden, and the cheesecake is set. After that, I just chill it, slice it, and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Cheesecake Bar Recipe
- They are absolutely delicious and easy to make.
- The buttery crust with the creamy cheesecake filling, the raspberry topping, and the brown sugar pecan topping take these bars to the next level.
- It’s a great summertime dessert recipe made with fresh raspberries and is perfect for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bar Ingredients
It only takes a few simple baking ingredients to make every part of these bars. You’ll find everything you need in your kitchen and a quick trip to your local grocery store. It’s all basic stuff!
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Fresh raspberries
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Brown sugar
- Chopped pecans
- All purpose flour
How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Making these cheesecake bars is so simple that even beginners can do it with ease. It just takes a little mixing, layering, and baking. There’s nothing to it!
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture is sand-like and clumps together.
Step 3: Bake
Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the baking dish with the bottom of a measuring cup. Then, bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Batter
Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. Then, add the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt and mix again until smooth. Pour the batter evenly over the top of the crust.
Step 5: Make the Raspberry Sauce
Add 1 cup of raspberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a small saucepan. Stir and cook on medium-low until the berries begin to burst and the mixture becomes a sauce. Remove from the heat and mix in the remaining raspberries.
Step 6: Swirl
Spoon the sauce evenly over the cheesecake batter and swirl the batter and sauce together a bit with a toothpick or knife.
Step 7: Make the Topping
Mix the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl. Then, spoon the topping evenly over the cheesecake.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cheesecake 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Step 9: Chill and Cut
Cool the raspberry cheesecake bars, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill. Cut the chilled cheesecake into bars and serve.
Recipe Tips
- It’s important to mix the crust mixture until it clumps. This is how you know it’s fully combined.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish so it becomes a crust as it bakes.
- Keep the heat at medium-low when making the sauce to prevent scorching.
- Chill your cheesecake before cutting it into bars for easiest cutting and to ensure the bars retain their shape.
Variations
- Use your favorite berries to create different sauces for the bars.
- You can use your favorite fruity pie filling for the top of these bars.
- Use pecans, walnuts, almonds, or any of your favorite nuts to create different topping flavors for the bars.
What to Serve with Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Serve these bars as a dessert or a snack with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also delicious with fresh fruit or as part of a larger dessert spread with your favorite sweet treats.
Recipe FAQ
Chill the cheesecake for at least 2 hours before slicing it.
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries in the same ratio and in the same way as fresh.
The cheesecake filling cooks quickly. It will always be done when the topping is golden brown.
You sure can. Any nut will work. Try all your favorites.
You can freeze these bars for up to a month.
How to Store Leftover Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Place these bars in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Try This Delicious Raspberry Cheesecake Bar Recipe Today
These raspberry cheesecake bars are absolutely delicious and so easy to make. It’s the best combination you could ask for. Serve these as a weeknight dessert, and afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to any gathering. Just serve them! Everyone will love their flavor, and you’ll love how quick and easy they were to make. Give this recipe a try, and I know it will be a permanent part of your dessert rotation.
More Delicious Raspberry Desserts You’ll Enjoy
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are an easy and delicious bite-size raspberry dessert recipe that are made with a flaky pastry, a sweet cream cheese and fresh raspberry filling, and then dusted with powdered sugar.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Raspberry Sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries, divided
- ⅛ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- ¾ cups brown sugar
- ¾ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a pie dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
Graham Cracker Crust
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Mix until well combined and mixture is a sand-like texture that clumps together.
- Pour crust mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down with the back of a measuring cup.
- Bake the crust in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add in eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until completely mixed and smooth.
- Pour cream cheese mixture on top of baked crust and spread out evenly.
Raspberry Sauce
- In a medium size saucepan, add 1 cup raspberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well. Cook over low-medium heat until mixture becomes a sauce. Remove from heat, add in 1⁄4 cup of remaining raspberries and mix.
- Spoon sauce on top of cream cheese mixture, and swirl sauce with mixture using a toothpick or knife.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of raspberries on top.
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter.
- Spoon topping over cheesecake, evenly spreading over the entire thing.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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