Description
These Blackberry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery biscuit crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a swirl of tangy blackberry reduction. Perfect for gatherings or make-ahead desserts, they’re as beautiful as they are flavorful.
Ingredients
For blackberry reduction: 210 g (1 ½ cups) fresh or frozen blackberries
For cheesecake crust: 150 g (1 ½ cups) crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers, 45 g (⅓ stick + ½ tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
For cheesecake filling: 400 g (1 ¾ cups) full-fat cream cheese (room temperature), 80 g (⅓ cup) full-fat plain or Greek yogurt (room temperature), 100 g (½ cup) caster sugar, 10 g (1 ½ tbsp) cornstarch, 2 medium UK / large US eggs (room temperature), ½ tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract), zest of 1 lemon
For topping: 70 g (½ cup) fresh blackberries
Instructions
Prepare the blackberry reduction
Place the blackberries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until the berries release their juices and the liquid slightly reduces.
Press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds and skin.
Return the juice to the pan and simmer until thickened but not jam-like. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the crust
Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper.
Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the tin to create a smooth, even base.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the cheesecake filling
Reduce the oven temperature to 285°F (140°C).
In a mixing bowl, stir cream cheese and yogurt until smooth (avoid incorporating too much air).
Add sugar and cornstarch, mixing until combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the cheesecake bars
Stir 1 ½ tablespoons of cheesecake filling into the cooled blackberry reduction.
Pour the remaining filling over the crust, smoothing the surface.
Spoon the blackberry mixture on top and swirl with a toothpick.
Scatter fresh blackberries evenly over the top.
Bake and chill
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center has a gentle wobble.
Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and allow bars to cool inside.
Once at room temperature, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before slicing.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth filling.
Do not overbake; cheesecake continues to set as it cools.
Best chilled overnight for clean slices and richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~240
- Sugar: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 4 g