Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars combine creamy filling, crunchy almond crust, and vibrant raspberry preserves for a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or a sweet indulgence. Rich and fruity flavors shine throughout.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup chopped almonds in a bowl.
- Cut in shortening until mixture forms fine crumbs.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of crumb mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and almond extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the hot crust.
- Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Spread raspberry preserves over the cream cheese layer.
- Mix the reserved crumbs, coconut, and sliced almonds.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the preserves.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cool in the pan on a rack.
- Chill for 3 hours.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you're out of almonds, walnuts or pecans can be used as a substitute. To make this recipe more colorful, try adding a layer of fresh raspberries on top before serving. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for a sweet treat at parties or as a delightful dessert after dinner. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing drink, serve with iced tea or lemonade. For more dessert ideas, browse more American recipes that feature fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Raspberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, or warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raspberry Cheesecake Bars contains roughly 410 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh raspberries, but keep in mind that they will not have the same sweetness and consistency as raspberry preserves. You might consider adding a bit of sugar to the fresh raspberries and cooking them down slightly to mimic the preserves' texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Note that the flavor and texture may differ slightly, so taste adjustments may be necessary.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are gluten-free as well. This will allow you to enjoy these delicious bars without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).