Mixed Berry Cheesecake Bars

By Coppermouse

With the summer bounty of fruit, no bar cookie would be complete without berries. Place dollops of fruit on these cheesecake bars to give them a burst of berry color and flavor.

Ingredients

• Fruit:
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
• Cheesecake:
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 x 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.

In a small, nonreactive pan over medium heat, stir together 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, water and fruit together. Stir occasionally until the mixture boils and begins to thicken. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, stir the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs together. Transfer to the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until incorporated. Scrape down the sides, then add the egg, vanilla and lemon zest. Mix again until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pan. Place spoonfuls of the fruit on top. Using a knife, create swirls on the surface. Bake in the oven until brown on the edges, about 30 minutes.

Let cool for at least 30 minutes before refrigerating for 3 hours. To serve, cut into 16 servings.

Tip: Use a measuring cup to press the crumbs into an even layer on the bottom of the pan.