Buttery graham cracker crust layered with tangy cream cheese filling and topped with fresh raspberries in a glossy berry glaze, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of tart raspberries and sweet cream cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Textural Contrast: The crunchy graham cracker crust complements the smooth cream cheese layer and juicy raspberry topping.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant red raspberries atop the creamy filling make for an eye-catching dessert.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for gatherings and events.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Topping:
- Handful of white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberry jam, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Stir until thickened and bubbling, about 3–4 minutes. Gently fold in fresh raspberries and remove from heat.
- Spoon the raspberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and smooth out evenly.
- Sprinkle with white chocolate if using, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 16 bars
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Berry Medley: Substitute raspberries with a mix of berries like blueberries and blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the crust for added texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a richer taste.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese layer for a citrusy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used. Thaw and drain them before incorporating into the recipe to prevent excess moisture.
Is it necessary to use raspberry jam in the topping?
Raspberry jam adds sweetness and helps bind the topping. If unavailable, you can use a homemade raspberry sauce as an alternative.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie alternative.
How do I ensure the cream cheese layer is smooth?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency.
Can I add gelatin to the raspberry layer for firmness?
Adding a small amount of gelatin can help set the raspberry layer more firmly, especially if you prefer a firmer topping.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies can be used as alternatives to graham crackers.
How long should I chill the bars before serving?
Chill the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set properly.
Can I add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer?
Yes, adding lemon zest can enhance the flavor by providing a fresh citrus note.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Conclusion
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them a perfect dessert for various occasions. Their vibrant appearance and refreshing taste are sure to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings. Easy to prepare and versatile, this recipe is a valuable addition to any dessert repertoire.
Print
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery graham cracker crust layered with tangy cream cheese filling and topped with fresh raspberries in a glossy berry glaze, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy textures.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Raspberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Topping:
- Handful of white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberry jam, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Stir until thickened and bubbling, about 3–4 minutes. Gently fold in fresh raspberries and remove from heat.
- Spoon the raspberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and smooth out evenly.
- Sprinkle with white chocolate if using, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Chill thoroughly to ensure clean slicing.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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