White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Making the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gently fold in the melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.

Creating the Raspberry Swirl:

In a small bowl, mix together the raspberry preserves or mashed raspberries with the granulated sugar until well combined.

Assembly:

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture onto the cheesecake filling.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the raspberry mixture into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect.

Baking:

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your cheesecake batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined after adding each ingredient.
Cooling and Setting: Let the cheesecake bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming on the surface. This will also help the bars set properly.
Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Experiment: Feel free to customize the recipe by using different fruit preserves or fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, for the swirl. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the raspberry mixture for a hint of brightness.
Garnishing or Visualizing: Before serving, you can garnish the cheesecake bars with fresh raspberries, white chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a beautiful presentation. The vibrant red raspberries against the creamy white cheesecake create an eye-catching contrast that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.