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Perfect Flag Berry Cheesecake Bars

flag berry cheesecake bars - featured image
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These cheesecake bars feature a creamy filling topped with fresh berries arranged like a flag, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for celebrations and easy to make in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and gently fold it in.
  7. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and smooth the top.
  8. Arrange blueberries in the top left corner to form the blue square of the flag, then create horizontal stripes with sliced strawberries across the rest of the bar.
  9. Optional: Warm apricot jam and brush gently over the berries for a shiny finish.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  11. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  12. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan and cut into squares. Use a warm, wet knife for neat slices.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the filling to prevent cracks. Cool bars gradually before refrigerating. Pat dry berries before arranging to avoid sogginess. Frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, flag berry cheesecake, easy dessert, summer dessert, berry dessert, homemade cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert

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