White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of indulgent creaminess and fruity tartness. These luscious cheesecake bars feature a rich, smooth filling made with white chocolate and cream cheese, layered atop a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. Topped with a sweet and tangy raspberry sauce, they deliver a delightful contrast of flavors in every bite. This dessert is ideal for gatherings, as it combines the elegance of cheesecake with the refreshing zest of raspberries. The creamy filling, coupled with the sweet berry sauce, makes for a show-stopping treat that will impress guests and satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family dessert, or simply because you want something decadent, these cheesecake bars are sure to hit the mark. Best of all, they are simple to make, requiring no complex techniques but delivering a stunning result. The addition of fresh or frozen raspberries brings a natural, vibrant color to these bars, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, indulgent desserts with a hint of fruitiness.

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

1. Perfect Flavor Pairing

The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries creates a perfect balance of flavors, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and delightful.

2. Easy to Make

Despite their impressive appearance, these cheesecake bars are simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.

3. Make Ahead and Serve

These cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for parties, gatherings, or busy weeknights when you need a ready-to-serve dessert.

4. Smooth and Creamy Texture

The rich, velvety cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy Oreo crust, offering a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.

5. Customizable Toppings

While raspberry sauce is the highlight, you can customize the topping with other fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a different twist, or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Raspberry Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons room-temperature water, divided
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (do not thaw)
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

Crust:

• 22 regular Oreo cookies (not Double-Stuf)
• 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 6 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
• 16 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be altered to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Berry Variations: Instead of raspberries, you can use strawberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend for the sauce, giving the cheesecake bars a slightly different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make the crust gluten-free, use gluten-free Oreos or substitute with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for the base.
• Chocolate Crust: For a richer crust, substitute the Oreo cookies with chocolate wafer cookies or graham cracker crumbs mixed with cocoa powder.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and white chocolate alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free while maintaining a creamy texture.

How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of water with cornstarch to form a slurry. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and the remaining teaspoon of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate using either a microwave in short bursts (stirring between each) or by using a double boiler on the stovetop. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add the melted white chocolate and mix until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour. After that, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Add Raspberry Sauce and Serve

Once the cheesecake has chilled, drizzle the raspberry sauce on top just before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth and lump-free filling.
• White Chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate when melting it, as it can seize up if exposed to too much heat.
• Chill the Cheesecake: For the best texture, allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to slice.
• Raspberry Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars are perfect for serving at any gathering or as a sweet treat after dinner. You can serve them as individual squares with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or top them with whipped cream or extra berries for added elegance. They’re perfect for pairing with a light tea, coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, and the flavors will continue to meld as they chill.

Freezing

These cheesecake bars freeze well. After slicing, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

While these bars are best served chilled, you can allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for a slightly softer texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries for the sauce?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure not to thaw them before cooking to help maintain the sauce’s texture.

2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

While the recipe calls for white chocolate, you can experiment with dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that it will change the taste and appearance of the bars.

3. How can I make the crust gluten-free?

To make the crust gluten-free, use gluten-free Oreo cookies or another type of gluten-free cookie, such as gluten-free graham crackers or chocolate cookies.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Avoid overbaking the cheesecake, as cracks can form when the filling is overcooked. Let the bars cool gradually in the oven to prevent temperature shock.

6. Can I substitute the granulated sugar with another sweetener?

You can substitute the granulated sugar with an alternative sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, though the texture and flavor may vary.

7. Can I add other fruit to the cheesecake?

Yes, you can add other fruits like strawberries or blueberries either in the filling or as a topping for added flavor.

8. Can I use a springform pan instead of a baking dish?

Yes, a springform pan can be used. Just be sure to line the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal.

9. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools in the fridge.

10. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free white chocolate.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone looking to enjoy a rich, creamy treat with a refreshing fruit topping. The combination of a crunchy Oreo crust, smooth white chocolate cheesecake filling, and tangy raspberry sauce is truly irresistible. Easy to make and versatile enough for various dietary needs, these cheesecake bars are a great addition to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply indulging yourself, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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