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Firecracker Cheesecake Bars with Graham Crust

Firecracker Cheesecake Bars - featured image
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These Firecracker Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, tangy cheesecake filling with vibrant red and blue swirls, perfect for summer parties and festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Red and blue gel food coloring
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with ¾ cup sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each. Stir in flour until incorporated.
  4. Divide batter into three bowls. Leave one plain, add red gel food coloring to one, and blue to the other. Add heavy cream if needed to thin colored batter. Stir gently.
  5. Pour plain batter over crust, spreading evenly. Drop spoonfuls of red and blue batter on top. Use a toothpick to swirl colors gently, creating a marbled effect.
  6. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  7. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and slice into squares, wiping knife between cuts.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid cracks. Use gel food coloring for vibrant swirls without altering texture. Chill bars overnight for best slicing and flavor. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Use the jiggle test to check doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: firecracker cheesecake bars, graham crust, summer dessert, easy cheesecake bars, Fourth of July dessert, colorful cheesecake, creamy cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/firecracker-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-graham-crust-dessert/