Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars (Perfect for Fourth of July!)
Derek
These red, white, and blue cheesecake bars are a no-bake dream—creamy, festive, and bursting with fresh strawberries and blueberries. A quick and easy dessert for Fourth of July parties, Memorial Day BBQs, or any summer celebration that needs a patriotic pop.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Chill Time 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Holiday Treat, Make-Ahead Sweet
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 220 kcal
- 2 blocks 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red & blue gel food coloring
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: fresh berries whipped cream
Make the crust – Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Press into a parchment-lined 8×8″ pan. Bake at 325°F for 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
Prepare filling – Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix until just combined.
Divide & color – Set aside 1/4 cup of filling in two bowls. Tint one red, the other blue.
Layer and swirl – Pour white filling over the crust. Drop colored filling in dollops. Swirl with a toothpick.
Bake – Bake at 300°F for 35–40 minutes until just set. Cool completely, then chill 3+ hours.
Slice & serve – Cut into bars and top with berries or whipped cream if desired.
Secret Tips for Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars
1. Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling: Cold cream cheese clumps and ruins the texture. Let it sit out for 30–45 minutes before mixing for the silkiest no-bake cheesecake layer.
2. Chill overnight for perfect slicing: While 4 hours is the minimum, an overnight chill creates cleaner cuts and a firmer bite—especially helpful for events or photos.
3. Use a hot, clean knife for slicing: Dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Repeat between cuts to get sharp, bakery-style edges.
4. Macerate your berries: Toss strawberries and blueberries in a teaspoon of sugar 10 minutes before topping. This enhances their flavor and adds a glossy finish.
5. Don’t skip the parchment paper: Line your pan with parchment that overhangs the edges. This allows you to lift the entire cheesecake slab out cleanly before slicing.
6. Add a pinch of salt to the crust: Salt enhances the graham cracker base and balances the sweetness of the filling and fruit.
7. Freeze before cutting for precision: Pop the whole pan in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing—just enough to firm everything up without freezing solid.Keyword berry_cream_cheesecake_squares, easy_independence_day_treats, fourth_of_july_no_bake_bars, make_ahead_festive_desserts, no_bake_4th_of_july_dessert, patriotic_cheesecake_recipe, red_white_and_blue_cheesecake_bars
