Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars: Easy Patriotic Dessert for 4th of July

Nothing says summer celebrations like a bright, festive dessert that brings everyone together. As someone who grew up surrounded by colorful Italian desserts, I’ve always loved how food can turn holidays into joyful memories. That’s why these Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars are one of my favorite patriotic cheesecake bars to make — they’re the perfect Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars treat for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer picnic where good company and great food are the main ingredients.

These cheesecake bars are not only visually stunning with their swirls of vibrant red, white, and blue, but they’re also easy to make, creamy, and downright addictive. If you’re looking for Fourth of July dessert ideas that are both simple and crowd-pleasing, this recipe will be your go-to. And while you’re here, be sure to check out other festive favorites like our Red White and Blue Cheesecake Cake or the fun Festive 4th of July Cupcakes to round out your holiday spread.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or packing for a summer picnic, these cheesecake bars fit perfectly on any patriotic dessert table — and the best part? They look like you spent hours on them, but you won’t even break a sweat!

Pro tip: For more festive inspiration, don’t forget to Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more delicious dessert ideas and Explore Kai Recipe’s full collection of tasty recipes on Pinterest.

What Are Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars?

At their core, Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars are a colorful twist on the classic cheesecake bar, featuring a rich Oreo cookie crust cheesecake base and a creamy cheesecake filling divided into vibrant red, white, and blue layers. The beautiful swirled pattern creates festive red white and blue desserts without any complicated piping or decorating skills.

This easy cheesecake bars recipe uses gel food coloring cheesecake batter to achieve vivid, patriotic hues perfect for 4th of July and Memorial Day celebrations. Baking the bars in a steam bath keeps them moist and helps prevent cracking — a common concern among cheesecake lovers. Thanks to the sturdy Oreo crust (with filling included!), these patriotic cheesecake bars hold together well, making them ideal for summer picnic desserts and other holiday cheesecake recipes.

If you enjoy these bars, you’ll love trying other related treats like our Red White Blue Marble Cake Recipe or our bite-sized Red White and Blue Mini Cheesecakes.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this patriotic cheesecake bars recipe:

Oreo Cookie Crust

• 30 Oreo cookies (with filling)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Vanilla Cheesecake Filling

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

Coloring

• Gel food coloring: red and blue (gel preferred for vibrant, natural-looking colors)

Note: Using softened cream cheese for baking is essential to get that creamy texture and smooth batter. Gel food coloring is also your best friend here for achieving bright, non-watery hues.

Tools Required

To get these bars just right, gather your essentials:

• Food processor or blender (to crush Oreos finely)
• 9×13 inch baking pan, lined with foil for easy removal
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls (3 for dividing and coloring batter)
• Rubber spatula
• Butter knife (for the signature swirl technique)
• Large roasting pan (for the steam bath setup)

How to Make Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Ready for the fun part? Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating these colorful cheesecake bars that will wow your guests.

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Pulse the Oreos in your food processor until finely crushed — no big chunks!
• Mix the crushed Oreos with melted butter until evenly coated.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your foil-lined 9×13 pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove from oven.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter

• Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until combined.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently until just combined.

Step 3: Color and Swirl

• Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
• Tint one bowl red and another blue using gel food coloring; leave the third plain (white).
• Drop spoonfuls of each color in a grid pattern over the crust.
• Using a butter knife, gently swirl the batter without overmixing to create the classic patriotic marbled look.

Step 4: Bake with Steam Bath

• Place the cheesecake pan inside a large roasting pan.
• Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

• Remove from oven, loosen edges with a knife, and cool on the counter for 1 hour.
• Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4–6 hours or overnight for best texture.

Step 6: Serve

• Lift cheesecake out using foil edges.
• Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to slice into about 24 bars.

Additional Tips: Cheesecake Love and Freezing Guide

Freezing cheesecake bars is a real lifesaver when prepping for the holidays. Just wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Feel free to get creative by adding toppings like sprinkles or a dollop of whipped cream to give your cheesecake bars some extra festive flair. These bars are perfect for summer parties or any patriotic celebration!

Expand your festive dessert repertoire with:

• Our rich Red White and Blue Cheesecake Cake
• Sweet and simple Festive 4th of July Cupcakes
• Stunning Red White Blue Marble Cake Recipe
• Bite-sized Red White and Blue Mini Cheesecakes

Connect with Kai Recipes on Social Media

Stay inspired and never miss a delicious recipe by following Kai Recipes online:

• Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more delicious dessert ideas
• Explore Kai Recipe’s full collection of tasty recipes on Pinterest
• Get inspired with festive 4th of July food ideas from Kai Recipes

FAQs and Helpful Tips

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