If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that practically screams summer, Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are here to deliver. Imagine the perfect marriage of tangy, creamy cheesecake, a buttery graham cracker crust, bright blueberry swirls, and fresh strawberries piled on top—all baked into an easy-to-slice bar. This isn’t just another July Fourth treat; these bars are pure celebration in every bite, bringing together everything we love about summer gatherings, family BBQs, and backyard picnics.
Whether you’re heading to a potluck, planning a pool party, or simply want to surprise your family with something fun, these Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars hit all the right notes. They’re vibrant, festive, and, most importantly, simple enough for any home baker. If you’ve ever struggled with traditional cheesecake (cracked tops, water baths, fussy technique), you’ll love how approachable and reliable this recipe is. Ready to create a new summer tradition? Let’s dive in.
Red White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs about 8 full graham cracker sheets
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- For the Cheesecake:
- 2 packages reduced fat cream cheese 8 ounce packages, do not use fat free, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅔ cup blueberry pie filling store-bought or homemade
- Sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing some of the foil to hang over the sides. Set aside.
- To prepare the crust, break the graham cracker sheets into a food processor or blender. Process until the crackers are fine crumbs, then add the powdered sugar and pulse once more to combine. Drizzle in the melted butter, then pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the crumbs into the bottom of the foil-lined pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool as you prepare the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese for one full minute, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl. Then, beat in the sugar for 3 additional minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add the yogurt, then the eggs, one at a time, fully combining between each and scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Once the crust has cooled, pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth. Dollop the pie filling over the crust and swirl lightly with a knife (the cheesecake base will not be completely covered). Top with the remaining cheesecake batter.
- Bake the bars in a 325 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the filling is mostly set but still soft and barely jiggles in the center when the pan is wiggled. Remove the bars from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 3 hours.
- Just before serving, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the foil. Top with sliced strawberries. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
TO FREEZE: Place cheesecake bars on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, store them in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Nutrition: Serving: 1(of 16)
Calories: 168kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 58mg
Potassium: 118mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Vitamin A: 297IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 59mg
Iron: 1mg
A Star-Spangled Summer Treat
Bringing Festive Flavors to Every Celebration
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars have become a staple for summer parties, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something instantly cheerful about those patriotic layers—red strawberries, white cheesecake, and blueberry swirls—that feels tailor-made for sunny celebrations. But these bars aren’t just about good looks; the flavor is genuinely memorable. The creamy cheesecake filling melts on your tongue, balanced by the bright tang of lemon and juicy berries. Underneath it all, a classic graham cracker crust gives just the right hint of crunch.
Making these bars is a favorite activity for families who want to bake together. Kids can help swirl the blueberry filling and arrange strawberry slices on top, turning dessert into a shared summer memory. Unlike classic cheesecakes, which require precise timing and careful cooling, Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are forgiving. The recipe is built for real life—busy days, messy kitchens, and that delicious feeling when everyone grabs a square and runs back outside to play.
The Nostalgia of Red, White, and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
For many, these bars evoke the best kind of nostalgia. Maybe it’s the way the flavors echo classic berry desserts from childhood, or perhaps it’s the shared ritual of baking them before every July Fourth. Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars aren’t just a dessert—they’re a way to mark the moments that matter: picnics in the park, family reunions, the simple joy of summer nights. And because they’re easy to slice, share, and transport, you’ll find yourself making them for everything from graduation parties to backyard movie nights.
If you love desserts that deliver big on both taste and visual appeal, you’ll find that these bars quickly become your go-to for any festive gathering. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills—just a little time, a sturdy baking pan, and a fridge to chill them until set. There’s a reason so many home bakers turn to Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars when they want something both spectacular and stress-free.
PART 2: Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars for Every Occasion
What Makes These Cheesecake Bars So Special?
There’s no mistaking Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars on a dessert table—they practically command attention with their vibrant layers. But the real magic isn’t just their patriotic color scheme. These cheesecake bars are all about approachable luxury. The creamy filling offers a satisfying richness without being too heavy, while the graham cracker crust adds just enough crunch to contrast every smooth bite. The blueberry swirls not only bring a beautiful deep-blue hue, but they infuse every slice with pops of sweet-tart flavor.
Another reason these bars are so beloved is how easy they are to share. Unlike a classic round cheesecake, which can be tricky to slice and serve, bars are made for grabbing and going. They hold their shape, don’t require plates and forks, and travel well—making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or busy family get-togethers. Each square delivers a complete bite: crust, cheesecake, fruit, and topping. It’s no wonder Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are often the first dessert to disappear from the buffet.
Ingredient Highlights for Vibrant Color and Taste
The success of these cheesecake bars comes down to a handful of key ingredients, each chosen for maximum flavor and color. For the crust, classic graham cracker crumbs provide a buttery, toasty base. The filling relies on reduced-fat cream cheese (never fat-free, which can make the texture gummy), a touch of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and tang, and fresh lemon for brightness. The blueberry pie filling, swirled right into the batter, gives the bars their signature blue streaks, while sliced strawberries on top finish the look.
Here’s a handy table breaking down the main ingredients and what each brings to your Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars:
| Ingredient | Role in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | Buttery, crunchy crust |
| Reduced-fat cream cheese | Creamy, tangy filling |
| Greek yogurt | Adds creaminess, reduces heaviness |
| Lemon zest & juice | Brightens flavor, balances sweetness |
| Blueberry pie filling | Deep blue swirl, juicy fruit flavor |
| Fresh strawberries | Bright red topping, juicy finish |
What really sets these bars apart is the combination of fresh and prepared ingredients—homemade taste with shortcuts that save time. The color contrast between the red strawberries, white cheesecake, and blue swirls makes every slice visually stunning, no fancy decorating skills required. Whether you’re planning a big event or just want a dessert that feels festive and special, Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars never disappoint.
Mastering the Recipe – Easy Steps to Perfect Bars
Foolproof Crust and Luscious Cheesecake Layer
Making Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars might look impressive, but the steps are refreshingly simple. You’ll start with the graham cracker crust, which is just three ingredients: crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Once blended and pressed firmly into your lined baking pan, the crust bakes for a quick 8 minutes—just long enough to set. Let it cool while you mix the cheesecake layer.
The cheesecake filling is the star, and it’s all about getting the texture just right. Begin by beating softened cream cheese until completely smooth. This step is crucial; lumps now mean lumps later, so don’t rush. Gradually add the sugar and keep beating until the mixture is silky. Next comes a scoop of Greek yogurt for creaminess, eggs for structure, and vanilla, lemon zest, and juice for a vibrant, zippy flavor. Each addition should be mixed in fully before adding the next. The result is a pourable, dreamy batter that promises a creamy bite in every bar.
Getting the Perfect Swirl and Set
Now for the signature blue swirl. After the crust has cooled and half the cheesecake batter is poured over it, you’ll dollop blueberry pie filling in spots across the surface. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the blueberries into the cheesecake layer. You’re not aiming for perfection—just a pretty marbled effect, so less is more when swirling. Pour the rest of the cheesecake batter on top to lock in the blueberry surprise.
Baking these bars is where the magic happens. Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars bake at a slightly lower temperature than many desserts, which helps prevent cracking and ensures the filling cooks evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set, but the center still has a subtle jiggle when you gently shake the pan. This is key: overbaking can cause the texture to dry out, so err on the side of slightly underdone—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Once out of the oven, let the bars rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring them to the fridge. For the best texture, chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better). When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan, top generously with sliced strawberries, and cut into squares. You’ll end up with flawless Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: sturdy, creamy, and worthy of any celebration.
Serving, Storing, and FAQs
Tips for Slicing, Serving, and Decorating
Presentation is everything when it comes to Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. For the cleanest slices, always chill the bars completely—overnight if possible. Use the foil overhang to lift the chilled slab from the pan, then cut with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between each cut. You’ll reveal crisp layers of crust, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant berry swirls.
Just before serving, decorate the bars with a generous topping of sliced fresh strawberries. For an extra touch, add a few fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top. If you’re making these bars for a patriotic holiday, arrange the strawberries and blueberries in a flag pattern or scatter them for a festive burst of color. These details take Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars from tasty to truly show-stopping at any gathering.
Storing, Freezing, and Troubleshooting
Leftover bars store beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper if stacking. Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. Planning ahead? You can freeze the bars individually: freeze until solid, then move to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
If you run into issues, most are easy to fix. Bars not setting? Make sure you used full-fat or reduced-fat (not fat-free) cream cheese and allowed enough chilling time. Crust too crumbly? Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan before baking. Swirl too messy? A light hand is all you need. No matter what, these bars are incredibly forgiving—and they’ll always be a hit.
FAQs
Why were cheesecake bars discontinued?
Cheesecake bars sometimes disappear from store shelves due to changing trends, production costs, or ingredient sourcing issues. The good news? Homemade Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are simple to prepare and let you control the quality and flavor, ensuring you never have to miss out.
What cheese is used in blueberry cheesecake?
Classic blueberry cheesecake uses cream cheese for its rich texture and tangy taste. In Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, reduced-fat cream cheese keeps the filling creamy without being too heavy. Always avoid fat-free, as it changes the consistency and flavor.
What strain is blueberry cheesecake?
“Blueberry Cheesecake” can refer to a hybrid cannabis strain known for its dessert-like flavor. In the context of this recipe, it’s all about the luscious blueberry pie filling swirled into a classic cream cheese base—no cannabis involved!
How do you know when cheesecake bars are set?
Cheesecake bars are perfectly set when the edges look firm but the center jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. The bars will finish setting as they cool at room temperature and then chill in the fridge for several hours.
Conclusion
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate answer for any summer celebration—easy to bake, dazzling to serve, and irresistible to eat. Their creamy, tangy filling, crisp crust, and festive bursts of color are sure to make any gathering memorable. With simple, reliable steps and practical make-ahead tips, this recipe is as perfect for beginners as it is for seasoned bakers. Try these bars once, and you’ll reach for this recipe every time you need a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
