Print

Perfect Patriotic Strawberry Cheesecake Flag Bars

patriotic strawberry cheesecake bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These festive cheesecake bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry and blueberry topping arranged like an American flag. Perfect for summer celebrations and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add sugar and beat until incorporated.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sour cream if using. Mix just until combined; do not overbeat.
  6. Pour cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cheesecake completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  9. In a small saucepan, warm strawberry jam with water over low heat until melted and smooth. Stir in sliced strawberries.
  10. Remove chilled cheesecake from fridge. Pour and spread strawberry mixture evenly over the top.
  11. Arrange blueberries in the top-left corner to mimic stars on the flag. Create horizontal rows of strawberries to complete the stripes.
  12. Chill bars for at least 1 hour more to let topping set before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese and lemon zest for best flavor. Do not overbeat the filling to avoid cracks. Warm knife between cuts for clean slices. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, summer dessert, cheesecake bars, berry dessert

Find it online: https://savoryrecipes.info/perfect-patriotic-strawberry-cheesecake-flag-bars-easy-recipe-for-summer-celebrations/