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Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Bars (Grain-Free, Gluten-Free)

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Ingredients

Units

For the crust:

For the cheesecake:

  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 2 teaspoons honey, divided
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 teaspoon all-natural red food coloring (optional – see above post for info)
  • 3 (8-ounce) packages organic cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup maple sugar or organic cane sugar (if you prefer a cheesecake recipe with honey as the sweetener, see my cheesecake recipe in my cookbook)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and adjust the rack to the middle position. Line an 8×8” baking pan with parchment paper. Place the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely ground. Add the butter and pulse until all of the crumbs are moist. Pour the crumb mixture into the pan and press evenly. Bake for 12 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, place the strawberries and 1 teaspoon of honey in a small saucepan and place the blueberries and 1 teaspoon of honey in another saucepan. Heat each over medium heat until bubbling and simmer, pressing the berries with the back of a fork to release the juice, for 5-6 minutes until both berry mixtures are thick. Pour the strawberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to release any additional juice. Repeat with the blueberries. Set aside.
  3. Place the cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat for 1-2 minutes until creamy and there are no lumps remaining. With the mixer on low, add each egg, one at a time. Combine the salt, sour cream, lemon juice and vanilla in a small measuring cup and slowly mix into the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of the cookie crust. Then, pour small dots of both berry syrups on the top of the cheesecake mixture. Using a paring knife, swirl the berry syrups on top. Bake for 25-28 minutes until set on the edges, but when you gently shake it, the middle jiggles a bit. Cool completely, cover and then chill for 6-8 hours. Cut into squares and serve cold.

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