If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect choice.
These bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavors of raspberry, all balanced by the smooth, luxurious taste of white chocolate.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dessert is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delightful cheesecake bars, from preparing the fresh raspberry sauce to baking the perfect graham cracker crust, and finally, creating the creamy cheesecake filling.
We’ll break down each step, so even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll be able to follow along with ease.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Perfection
Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients you’ll need to create these White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.
Having all your ingredients measured and ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Raspberry Sauce
- 1 1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen) (150g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 sheets of graham crackers) (180g)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
Cheesecake
- 16oz cream cheese, softened (453g)
- 6oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature (57g)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (99g)
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (8g)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Step 1: Preparing the Raspberry Sauce
To begin, you’ll want to start with the raspberry sauce, which will add that vibrant, fruity flavor to your cheesecake bars.
- Mix the cornstarch with water. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water. This mixture will thicken your sauce and give it that perfect consistency. Set it aside for later use.
- Cook the raspberries. In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cup raspberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to help the raspberries break down and release their juices. You’ll want to keep stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
- Thicken the sauce. Once the raspberry mixture comes to a simmer, add the cornstarch mixture and continue stirring for about a minute. The sauce will begin to thicken, creating a luscious, glossy raspberry sauce.
- Strain the sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat and press the sauce through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. This will give you a smooth and velvety sauce, perfect for swirling into your cheesecake. Set the sauce aside to cool while you prepare the crust and filling.
Step 2: Creating the Perfect Crust
A good crust is the foundation of any great cheesecake.
For these bars, we’ll be using a classic graham cracker crust, which adds a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch square pan. This ensures your cheesecake bars won’t stick and will come out easily when they’re done.
- Prepare the graham cracker crumbs. Crush 1 1/2 cups graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor. If you’re using a food processor, you can also add the sugar and melted butter in the next step directly into the processor.
- Mix the crust ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter, and the mixture resembles wet sand. This butter-sugar mixture not only binds the crumbs together but also adds richness to the crust.
- Press the crust into the pan. Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to press it down evenly. Ensure that the crust is tightly packed, so it holds together well after baking.
- Bake the crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. This short bake time will help set the crust, so it stays firm under the cheesecake filling. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Now comes the star of the show—the cheesecake filling.
This rich, creamy mixture is made even more decadent with the addition of melted white chocolate.
- Melt the white chocolate. Place 6 ounces of chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between each interval. White chocolate can easily burn, so keep a close eye on it. Once fully melted, set it aside to cool slightly, but don’t let it harden.
- Beat the cream cheese. In a large bowl, add 16 ounces of softened cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth texture in your cheesecake.
- Add the sugar and mix. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese, beating until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the other ingredients. Next, add 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The sour cream adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the white chocolate, while the flour helps to stabilize the cheesecake.
- Mix in the eggs. Add 2 eggs to the mixture, one at a time, beating until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Add the white chocolate. Finally, pour the melted white chocolate into the cheesecake mixture, stirring gently until it’s fully incorporated. The white chocolate adds a smooth, luxurious flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart raspberries.
- Assemble the cheesecake. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Then, drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce over the top of the filling. Use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the raspberry sauce into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect. This not only adds a pop of color but also ensures that each bite has a bit of that fruity goodness.
Step 4: Baking and Chilling for Perfection
Baking the cheesecake bars to perfection requires patience, but the result is well worth it.
- Bake the cheesecake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 29-34 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. This jiggle will firm up as the cheesecake cools.
- Cool the cheesecake. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Cooling the cheesecake in the pan helps to prevent cracks and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Chill the cheesecake. After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the cheesecake to set fully, making it easier to cut into clean bars.
The Final Touch: Enjoying Your White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
After all your hard work, it’s finally time to enjoy your creation. C
ut the cheesecake into bars and serve them chilled.
The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, the creamy white chocolate cheesecake, and the tart raspberry swirl is simply irresistible.
These cheesecake bars are perfect for serving at parties, bringing to potlucks, or enjoying as a special treat at home.
They also keep well in the fridge for several days, so you can savor them over time.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that anyone can make.
The key to success is in taking your time with each step, ensuring that every element is prepared with care.
When you take that first bite, you’ll know that the effort was worth it—a sweet, creamy, and tangy treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.