Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs for the crust base
– 1/3 cup melted butter to bind the crust together
– 2 tablespoons sugar to sweeten the crust slightly
– 24 ounces softened cream cheese provides the creamy base and rich texture
– 3/4 cup sour cream adds extra creaminess to the filling
– 3/4 cup sugar sweetens the mixture to balance flavors
– 3 large eggs helps set the filling during baking
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with a warm note
– 1/2 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness and brings out tastes
– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a hint of tanginess to brighten the filling
– Red gel food coloring for coloring part of the filling to create the red layer
– Blue gel food coloring for coloring part of the filling to create the blue layer
Instructions
1-First, preheat your oven to 325Β°F (163Β°C) and line a 9Γ13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2-In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until it resembles wet sand; press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
3-Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
4-In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy; add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5-Incorporate 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into the mixture until fully blended.
6-Divide 1 1/3 cups of the smooth filling into two small bowls and color one with red gel food coloring and the other with blue gel food coloring.
7-Pour the plain filling over the cooled crust, then add alternating lines of the red and blue fillings on top; use a knife or chopstick to swirl them into a marbled pattern.
8-Bake the bars at 325Β°F (163Β°C) for 50-55 minutes with a water-filled pan on the lower rack for even cooking.
9-Turn off the oven and leave the bars inside with the door open for 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight to set fully.
10-Finally, cut the bars into squares before serving for a festive presentation.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π¨ Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the batter.
π Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the cheesecake flavor.
π§ Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling and Refrigeration Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 434 kcal
- Sugar: 37.8 g
- Fat: 29.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.8 g
- Protein: 7.1 g
- Cholesterol: 128.5 mg
