If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as festive and fun as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine luscious, creamy cheesecake swirled with vibrant red and blue colors layered over a rich chocolate Oreo crust—this treat is guaranteed to steal the show at any summer gathering or celebration. Every bite is a perfectly balanced blend of tangy, sweet, and chocolaty flavors, making it a standout dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a special role in making these cheesecake bars absolutely irresistible. From the crunchy chocolate Oreo crust to the silky-smooth, colorful cheesecake filling, every item contributes the perfect texture, flavor, or festive touch.
- 2 ½ cups chocolate Oreo crumbs: Provides a rich, chocolaty crunch that forms the perfect crust base.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the chocolate in the crust.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together with a buttery richness.
- 32 ounces cream cheese (softened): The creamy core of the cheesecake, offering that classic tangy smoothness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Enhances the texture with added creaminess and a subtle tang.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without overpowering it.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes to the filling.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for structure, helping the cheesecake set just right.
- Red and blue food coloring: Gives the cheesecake its patriotic swirls and visual wow factor.
- Whipped topping and sprinkles for garnish: Sets off each bar with a festive flourish just before serving.
How to Make Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees to get it nice and warm for baking. While it heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your bars won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Oreo Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your chocolate Oreo crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. This trio is essential—crumbly, sweet, and buttery, just how a perfect cheesecake crust should be. Press this mixture firmly into your greased pan, making sure it’s an even layer that will hold your cheesecake filling. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly, allowing it to firm up so it supports your creamy topping.
Step 3: Lower Oven Temperature and Mix Filling
Turn the oven down to 325 degrees while you whip up the filling. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free—that’s the secret to a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add in the sour cream for creaminess, then mix in sugar and vanilla extract for sweetness and aroma. Slowly beat in your eggs one at a time, making sure everything is incorporated without overmixing, which keeps the cheesecake delightfully dense yet silky.
Step 4: Color the Batter and Create Swirls
Divide your batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain for the white, then tint one with red food coloring and the other with blue. The vibrant colors make this recipe a festive celebration on a plate! Alternate spoonfuls of each color onto your prepared crust, layering red, white, and blue dollops all over. Grab a knife and gently swirl the batter—this creates those beautiful marbled patterns that will impress your family and friends.
Step 5: Bake and Chill to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want the filling to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center, which guarantees creamy texture after chilling. Once done, take the bars out and let them cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours to let the flavors marry and the cheesecake fully firm up.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your chilled bars into generous squares, then top each one with fluffy whipped cream and festive sprinkles. These final touches add a light sweetness and a fun pop of color—perfect for any patriotic event or summer party!
How to Serve Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped topping and colorful sprinkles are classic choices to add extra sweetness and visual flair. Fresh berries, like strawberries and blueberries, also make beautiful and natural garnishes that complement the colors and flavors while adding a juicy burst with every bite.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars shine on their own but can be paired beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a light balance, serve them alongside a crisp fruit salad or a refreshing lemonade to brighten up each bite even more.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing at a picnic or party, consider serving these bars on a festive platter with additional red and blue decorations around them. You can also serve them in mini mason jars or cupcake liners for portable, single-serving treats that look adorable and are a breeze to enjoy on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, store any leftover cheesecake bars tightly covered in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy the festive flavors well after the party ends.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them individually or as a whole in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in an airtight container. When stored this way, they keep well for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead dessert option for upcoming holidays.
Reheating
Cheesecake bars taste best chilled, so instead of reheating, simply thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge. If you prefer them slightly less chilled, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out their creamy texture and rich flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular Oreos instead of chocolate Oreos for the crust?
Absolutely! Regular Oreos will give you a lighter crust color and a slightly different flavor, but the texture and overall result will still be delicious. It’s a great way to customize the crust to your liking.
Is there a way to make these cheesecake bars without food coloring?
Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look or want to avoid artificial dyes. The bars will still taste incredible, though they won’t have the signature red, white, and blue swirl effect that makes this recipe so festive.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the Oreo crumbs with a gluten-free chocolate cookie crumb. Make sure the other ingredients you use, like vanilla extract or sprinkles, don’t contain gluten either.
How important is it to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream adds a wonderful tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness while enriching the texture. While you can substitute with Greek yogurt or omit it, the texture and flavor might be a bit different from the classic cheesecake bar experience.
What’s the best way to get those pretty swirls?
The trick is to spoon the colored batter in alternating dollops and then use a knife to gently swirl. Don’t over-swirl or the colors will mix into muddy tones. Light, thoughtful swirling keeps those vibrant red, white, and blue patterns popping.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe, it will become one of your go-to festive desserts. The combination of creamy cheesecake, chocolaty crust, and patriotic colors makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch these beauties disappear fast at your next celebration!
Print
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 49 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 9 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars, featuring a rich Oreo cookie crust and a creamy tri-colored cheesecake filling swirled with vibrant red and blue hues. Perfect for patriotic celebrations or any occasion where a colorful, indulgent dessert is desired.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 ½ cups chocolate Oreo crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- Red food coloring
- Blue food coloring
Garnish
- Whipped topping
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted unsalted butter until evenly mixed.
- Form Crust: Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust at 350°F for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for baking the cheesecake filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Sugar and Vanilla: Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Divide and Color Batter: Separate the batter evenly into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to another, leaving one bowl uncolored (white).
- Layer Batter on Crust: Spoon the red, white (uncolored), and blue batters onto the baked crust alternately to create a colorful pattern.
- Swirl Colors: Using a knife, gently swirl the colors together to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Slice into bars, top with whipped topping and sprinkles, and enjoy your festive dessert!
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth batter.
- Do not overbake to prevent cracking; the center should be slightly jiggly.
- Use a light hand when swirling the colored batters to keep distinct colors.
- Chilling is essential for clean slices and best texture.
- Substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream for a lighter garnish.
