Bomb Pop Cheesecake Bars – A Patriotic 4th of July Treat
Looking for a cool, refreshing, and festive dessert to bring to your 4th of July celebration? These Bomb Pop Cheesecake Bars are the answer!
Inspired by the classic Bomb Pop ice cream, these cheesecake bars combine the delicious flavors of cherry, blue raspberry, and lime in a creamy, dreamy cheesecake base with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
This easy-to-make, no-bake treat is the perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday with a patriotic pop of color and flavor.
The vibrant red, white, and blue layers will make these cheesecake bars the star of your holiday spread, and their tangy, sweet taste will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love These Bomb Pop Cheesecake Bars
- Patriotic and Fun: These red, white, and blue cheesecake bars are a festive and eye-catching treat that will make your 4th of July celebration even more special. The colors alone make them perfect for the holiday!
- No-Bake Simplicity: These cheesecake bars don’t require any baking! You simply prepare the graham cracker crust, make the creamy filling, and layer the vibrant colors.
- Refreshing Flavors: With the flavors of cherry, blue raspberry, and lime, each layer of these cheesecake bars tastes like summer in every bite. The combination of tangy cheesecake and fruity layers is a perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to Serve: These bars are perfect for parties and picnics. Just cut into squares and serve – no fuss, no mess!
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking. You could add strawberry puree for extra flavor or use a different berry for the blue layer. These bars are highly customizable and fun to make!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for a tangy twist)
- Red food coloring (for the cherry layer)
- Blue food coloring (for the blue raspberry layer)
- Cherry, blue raspberry, and lime extracts (optional, for extra flavor)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 12-16 bars
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to press it down evenly. Chill the crust in the fridge for about 15 minutes to help it set.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lime juice (optional) and mix until well combined.
In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure to combine it without deflating the whipped cream. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and fluffy.
3. Create the Red, White, and Blue Layers:
Once the cheesecake filling is ready, divide it evenly into three bowls.
- For the red layer: Add a few drops of red food coloring and a dash of cherry extract (or use cherry syrup for flavor), then mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- For the white layer: Leave this bowl as-is with the original cream cheese mixture.
- For the blue layer: Add a few drops of blue food coloring and a dash of blue raspberry extract (optional), then mix until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Layer the Cheesecake Bars:
Start by spooning the red cheesecake mixture onto the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Next, add the white layer on top of the red layer, spreading it evenly. Finally, add the blue layer on top of the white layer, smoothing it out to create a clean, colorful layer on top.
Use a spatula to gently even out the layers if needed.
5. Chill the Bars:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake bars to set properly and makes them easier to slice.
6. Serve:
Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled and set, remove them from the fridge and cut them into squares. Serve chilled, and enjoy the patriotic treat! You can also add some extra fresh berries or a whipped cream topping for an extra special touch.
Variations of This Recipe:
- Different Flavors: Swap the cherry, blue raspberry, and lime layers for strawberry, blueberry, and lemon for a different fruity flavor profile.
- No Food Coloring: If you prefer, you can skip the food coloring and just use the natural colors of the fruit. For example, use pureed fruit like strawberry puree for the red layer and blueberry puree for the blue layer.
- Lemon Cheesecake Bars: If you like citrus flavors, you can replace the lime juice with lemon juice for a fresh and tangy twist.
Expert Tips About This Recipe:
- Make Ahead: These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them the day before your celebration and have them ready to serve.
- Even Layers: To get even layers, it’s best to spread each layer carefully with a spatula, making sure they are smooth and well-defined.
- Whipped Cream Tip: Make sure the whipped cream is beaten to stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture to get the perfect creamy texture.
- Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife to get clean edges and perfectly sized squares.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cheesecake bars in advance?
A: Yes! These cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead. Simply cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of extracts?
A: Absolutely! You can use fruit puree (like strawberry puree or blueberry puree) for the flavors instead of extracts. Just make sure to adjust the consistency if needed by adding a bit more cream cheese or powdered sugar.
Q: How do I store leftover cheesecake bars?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These cheesecake bars stay deliciously creamy and fresh!
Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Once they are set, cut them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Bomb Pop Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lime juice optional, for extra tang
- Red food coloring for cherry layer
- Blue food coloring for blue raspberry layer
- Cherry blue raspberry, and lime extracts (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish. Chill the crust in the fridge for about 15 minutes to set.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lime juice (optional). Beat on low and then high until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
Create the Red, White, and Blue Layers:
- Divide the cheesecake filling into three bowls.
- For the red layer, add red food coloring and a dash of cherry extract (or cherry syrup).
- For the white layer, leave the mixture as is.
- For the blue layer, add blue food coloring and a dash of blue raspberry extract (optional).
Layer the Cheesecake Bars:
- Spoon the red cheesecake mixture onto the chilled crust. Spread evenly. Then add the white layer, followed by the blue layer, smoothing each layer as you go.
Chill and Set:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set.
Serve:
- Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled. Garnish with additional berries, whipped cream, or sprinkles if desired for a festive touch!
