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Firecracker Cheesecake Bars

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These Firecracker Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a tangy, spicy-sweet firecracker topping. Perfect for quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing homemade dessert bars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp finely grated lime zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
  6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles when shaken. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. While bars cool, whisk together strawberry preserves, fresh lime juice, cayenne pepper, and lime zest in a small bowl.
  9. Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cheesecake bars. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  10. Slice into bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean edges.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly. Chill bars overnight for easier slicing and deeper flavor. Warm knife before slicing to prevent crumbly edges. For gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crackers or almond flour crust. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, firecracker cheesecake, graham crust, easy dessert, homemade cheesecake, spicy-sweet topping, quick dessert

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/firecracker-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-graham-crust-dessert/