Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars (Printable Version)

Creamy bars with graham crust, lemon zest, and a vibrant berry swirl topped with fresh blueberries.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Crust

01 - 150 g graham cracker crumbs
02 - 57 g unsalted butter, melted
03 - 25 g granulated sugar
04 - 0.5 g ground cinnamon

→ Filling

05 - 450 g cream cheese, room temperature
06 - 50 g granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
09 - 5 ml pure vanilla extract

→ Swirl and Topping

10 - 120 g raspberries
11 - 13 to 25 g granulated sugar
12 - 110 g blueberries

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Preheat the oven to 163°C. Grease an 20x20 cm baking dish and line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Incorporate lemon zest, juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the baking dish.
05 - Puree raspberries with sugar in a blender. Strain through fine mesh to remove seeds. Dollop raspberry puree over the filling and swirl gently using a skewer or fork.
06 - Evenly distribute blueberries on top, pressing lightly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until edges are set.
07 - Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully set.
08 - Lift bars out of the pan using parchment paper. Cut into bars and serve.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Press the crust firmly to ensure a compact base. Chilling improves texture and flavor development.