These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are easy to make and delicious. The graham cracker crust is buttery which pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake layer and tart raspberry jam.

Sliced Raspberry Cheesecake Bars on a platter.

Cheesecake recipes have a special place in my heart.

While they are easy to make, they are always incredibly impressive (and delicious).

However, the hardest part about making cheesecake is waiting for them to chill. It requires a lot of patience!

But, in the end, the creamy texture that is created after hours of waiting…is always worth it.

Main Ingredients

Ingredients measured out in bowls to make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.

Jams, Jellies and Preserves

What is the difference between jams, jellies and preserves?

  • Jellies are made with strained fruit juice. There are no pieces of fruit in jellies.
  • Jam is made with mashed fruit but no large chunks.
  • Preserves have whole fruit or large pieces of fruit in it.

Therefore, the biggest difference between the three is how much of the original fruit is used to make the fruit spread.

However, for this recipe, a jam or jelly is best for incorporating it with the cheesecake batter.

Tips and Tricks for Making Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

First, to make the cheesecake batter, use an electric hand mixer. Whisking by hand will not yield the best result or smooth consistency.

Next, make sure to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the bottom of the pan/parchment paper. You want it to stay together in the form of a bar when slicing.

Last, but definitely not least, make sure you bake the cheesecake long enough.

There will be a slight jiggle in the middle, but the cheesecake should be fully set. If you are worried about the top getting too brown, put aluminum foil on top to cover it.

How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F
  2. First, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the butter and granulated sugar
  3. Press firmly into the square 8×8 pan (The pan should be lined with parchment paper)
  4. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer
  5. In a small bowl, add the jam and use a whisk until the jam is smooth with no clumps
  6. Next, fold in the whipped seedless raspberry jam to the cheesecake batter 
  7. Pour the batter on top of the graham cracker layer
  8. Swirl in extra dollops of jam using a toothpick
  9. Bake at 325 degrees F for 55-65 minutes. 
  10. The edges and top of the cheesecake should be light brown with a slight jiggle in the middle
  11. Next, remove from the oven and cool until it reaches room temperature
  12. Refrigerate 6+ hours or overnight
  13. Lastly, remove from the pan
  14. Slice and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe gluten free friendly?

It can be! This cheesecake recipe can be made gluten free by using gluten-free graham crackers.

Do I have to bake the graham cracker crust before adding the cheesecake layer? 

Nope! You will add the filling and bake the crust and cheesecake together.

How will I know that the cheesecake is done baking?

You will know that the cheesecake is done baking when the edges are a golden brown. Also, top of the cheesecake should be fully set with a slight jiggle in the middle.

Can I use any type of jam or jelly?

Any jam or jelly should work for this recipe! Just make sure it is seedless for a pleasant texture when biting into the bars. I don’t recommend using any jams or preserves that have chunks of fruit. This will change the texture of the bars.

How do I store the cheesecake bars?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month. Soften at room temperature when ready to eat.

Holding a Raspberry Cheesecake Bar in my hand.
Sliced Raspberry Cheesecake Bars on a serving platter.
5 stars (1 rating)

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Chilling Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are easy to make and delicious. The graham cracker crust is buttery which pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake layer and tart raspberry jam.

Ingredients
 

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 9 sheets graham cracker
  • 6 tbsp salted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Raspberry Cheesecake Batter

  • 16 oz plain cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam, whipped

Equipment

  • 1 8×8 square pan
  • parchment paper
  • electric hand mixer

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F
  • First, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the butter and granulated sugar
  • Press firmly into the square 8×8 pan (The pan should be lined with parchment paper)
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer (until smooth and creamy)
  • In a small bowl, add the jam and use a whisk until the jam is smooth with no clumps (It should be pourable)
  • Reserve 2-3 tbsp of jam for topping
  • Next, fold in the whipped seedless raspberry jam
  • Add the batter on top of the graham cracker layer
  • Swirl in the extra dollops of jam using a toothpick
  • Bake at 325 degrees F for 55-65 minutes.
  • The edges and top of the cheesecake should be light brown with a slight jiggle in the middle
  • Next, remove from the oven and cool until it reaches room temperature
  • Refrigerate 6+ hours or overnight
  • Remove from the pan (This is where parchment paper is helpful!)
  • Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 216kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 184mg, Potassium: 62mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 546IU, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesecake Bars, Easy Desserts, Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, Raspberry Jam

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