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Flavorful Firecracker Cheesecake Bars with Red Velvet Swirl

firecracker cheesecake bars - featured image
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These firecracker cheesecake bars feature a creamy cheesecake base with a vibrant red velvet swirl and a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or ¼ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon red food coloring (gel-based)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan or line with parchment paper with overhang.
  2. Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press evenly into the pan. Bake for 8 minutes and let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
  4. Make red velvet swirl batter: Whisk flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add oil, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth. Stir in baking soda and vinegar last.
  5. Assemble bars: Pour cheesecake filling over crust. Spoon dollops of red velvet batter over cheesecake. Use a toothpick to swirl the red velvet in figure-eight or circular motions.
  6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until edges are set and center has slight jiggle.
  7. Cool bars at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
  8. Cut into bars using a warm, dry knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth filling. Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Pre-bake crust to avoid sogginess. Chill bars thoroughly for best texture and clean slicing. Swirl gently for distinct marbled effect. Variations include gluten-free flours, different crusts, or raspberry swirl.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, red velvet swirl, firecracker cheesecake, dessert bars, easy cheesecake recipe, holiday dessert, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/flavorful-firecracker-cheesecake-bars-with-red-velvet-swirl-recipe-easy-step-by-step/