Patriotic Delights: Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars for Your Next Gathering

Photo byNaomi Madison

If you're looking for the perfect dessert to add some patriotic flair to your next celebration, Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars are just the thing. These festive cheesecake bars not only taste amazing but also bring a burst of color to your dessert table, making them ideal for occasions like Fourth of July picnics, Memorial Day gatherings, or any event where you want to show off some national pride.

The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy Oreo crust, and swirls of vibrant red and blue make these bars stand out in both flavor and appearance. Each bite offers the smooth, rich taste of cheesecake with the added texture of a buttery Oreo base. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make, with a process that even beginners can follow. The red and blue marble swirls create an eye-catching effect without too much effort.

Whether you're serving a crowd or treating your family to a sweet indulgence, Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars are a fantastic choice. They’re rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, and the pop of color makes them a conversation starter. Plus, you can add whipped cream and festive sprinkles for that extra touch of celebration.

Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 30 Oreo cookies (with filling)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• Red and blue gel food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9x13 pan with aluminum foil, making sure to cover the sides for easy removal later.
2. Crush the Oreos (with their filling) into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix in the melted butter until well combined, then press the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
3. To make the cheesecake batter, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth. Next, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently just until the eggs are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure a smooth texture.
5. Divide the cheesecake batter into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl plain (this will be the white portion). In the second bowl, stir in red gel food coloring, and in the third, add blue gel food coloring. Stir until the colors are evenly distributed.
6. Spoon the batter onto the cooled Oreo crust, alternating between the plain, red, and blue batters. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the colors to create a marble effect. Be careful not to over-swirl to maintain distinct colors.
7. Place a large baking sheet filled halfway with water on the bottom rack of the oven. This will create steam and help prevent cracks in the cheesecake. Place the cheesecake pan on the middle rack above the water pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
8. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for about an hour. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for 4-6 hours, or until fully set.
9. Once the cheesecake has chilled, cut it into squares for serving. For a festive touch, top each bar with whipped cream and sprinkles in red, white, and blue.

The result is a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for any patriotic celebration. The Oreo crust adds a delightful crunch, while the cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and perfectly creamy. The vibrant colors make this dessert just as fun to look at as it is to eat.

With Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars, you'll have a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also impresses your guests. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or a holiday party, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Here are some excellent sources where you can find variations of the Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars recipe, as well as detailed preparation tips:

1. Southern Living offers a delicious take on this patriotic dessert, complete with tips for using crisp cookies like Pepperidge Farm for the crust. Their recipe emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, as the cheesecake bars require a good amount of chilling time​(Southern Living).
2. Dinner, Then Dessert shares a version with a graham cracker crust and incorporates fresh blueberries and strawberries for a patriotic touch. This site also includes helpful suggestions for storing and freezing the bars, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful​(Dinner, then Dessert).
3. Inside BruCrew Life highlights how to achieve the perfect swirl effect with red and blue gel food coloring, along with tips on freezing and cutting the cheesecake bars cleanly for serving​(Inside BruCrew Life).
4. 3 Boys and a Dog provides a simple yet flavorful recipe with a graham cracker crust and tips for adding patriotic sprinkles to enhance the festive feel. The site also includes ideas for pairing the bars with other dishes​(3 Boys and a Dog).

Feel free to visit these links for more detailed instructions and ideas!