Name: Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Fresh raspberries, for topping

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Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful layered dessert combining a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake center, and a vibrant raspberry layer. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer the irresistible flavor of cheesecake with the portability of a bar, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or afternoon treats. The contrast of textures—from the crisp crust to the smooth cream cheese filling and the juicy raspberry topping—ensures every bite is satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Fresh or frozen raspberries
Cornstarch
Lemon juice
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh raspberries (for topping)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly.
In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then allow to cool slightly.
Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh raspberries before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Substitute the raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
Add a layer of white chocolate chips before baking for added richness.
Use an Oreo or shortbread cookie crust instead of graham crackers.
Mix in lemon zest with the cream cheese for extra brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Not recommended; these are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them before using, and adjust the cornstarch slightly to maintain thickness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely, they can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?

Use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies.

Can I use store-bought raspberry jam?

Yes, but homemade filling gives a fresher taste and better texture.

Why do my bars crack?

Overbaking or rapid cooling can cause cracks. Let them cool gradually and avoid overmixing the filling.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and egg substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba.

Do I need to use lemon juice?

It enhances the flavor of the raspberry layer, but you can omit it or substitute with orange juice.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars are an elegant and easy dessert that combines rich creaminess with tart fruit for a refreshing finish. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying one with coffee, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars

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Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars are a layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a tangy raspberry swirl. They’re topped with fresh raspberries and powdered sugar for a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then let cool slightly.
Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until center is set. Let cool completely.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh raspberries before serving.