Fourth of July Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
Layers of red velvet brownie, vanilla cheesecake, and fresh blueberries make up this festive patriotic dessert! These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars are perfect for your Fourth of July party!
Here we are, just a few days away from the Fourth of July!
We’re looking to lay low this holiday weekend and I’m so glad. I know my husband wishes we were down the shore but I’m always so grateful for a long weekend where we can just relax and do our thing here at home. Lately I’ve been really into my morning walks, and I like to spend a little time on Pinterest (follow me!), make muffins for my little guy, and take the kiddos someplace fun in the afternoon. There are so many great kids’ movies coming out right now that I’m dying to see! But with the weather as nice as it’s been we’re more likely to be throwing a frisbee in the backyard and sipping Frozen Sangria Slushies.
What are your plans? Having a party? Going to a barbecue or potluck? I’ve got tons of great recipes to bake and take!
But this one is my current favorite:
Just look at those layers!
I love the red, white, and blue.
But make them and you’ll see- these bars taste even better than they look!
The red velvet layer is to-die-for! The cocoa/buttermilk flavor really comes through. And it’s super-moist, almost a cross between cake and a brownie or blondie. I guess you could say it’s like a cake-y brownie: gooey and soft but a little fluffy at the same time. YUM!
And the cheesecake is a perfect compliment. Just like in the classic, traditional southern cake, the sweet, slightly tangy cream cheese brings out all the best in red velvet. It’s an iconic flavor combination that just never goes wrong!
Plus blueberries are totally at the peak of their season! So big, juicy, and sweet.
I hope you’ll whip up a batch of these bars for your July 4th celebration! One pan can really feed a crowd and everyone will love the rich flavor of red velvet plus cool, creamy vanilla cheesecake and fresh summer berries!
Have a great weekend and a fun holiday!
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Fourth of July Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the red velvet layer
- 1/2 cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar,, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60 g) buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (1.5 teaspoons) white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (21.5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) kosher salt
For the cheesecake layer
- 16 ounces (453.59 g) cream cheese, (two 8-ounce bricks), softened
- 2/3 cup (133.33 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) kosher salt
- 1 pint (473.18 ml) fresh blueberries
- powdered sugar, optional garnish
Instructions
Make the red velvet layer:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mist a 9-inch by 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
- Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large, microwave-safe bowl and heat until the butter has completely melted (in my microwave, this takes about 2 minutes on 60% power).
- Stir the mixture with a whisk until smooth, then whisk in the egg.
- Add the buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla and stir to combine.
- Whisk in the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt and transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Make the cheesecake layer:
- Place the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium-low speed until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
- Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt, and pour over the partially baked red velvet layer (it’s ok if it’s still hot).
- Turn the oven temperature down to 250 degrees F, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely (overnight is best), and cut into bars.
- Top with fresh blueberries and dust with powdered sugar.
We loved the red velvet layer so much!!! It’s better than any red velvet cake recipes we’ve tried. Do too have any tips to convert the brownie recipe into a red velvet cake. It’s almost cake like anyway. I know you have a red velvet cake recipe on your website, but we are specifically after this particular flavor which was to die for
You can access my red velvet cake recipe by typing “Red Velvet Cake” in the search window at the top of this site, or via this direct link: https://bakingamoment.com/red-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/. Very happy you enjoyed!
How do you think mixing the blueberries into the cheesecake layer versus just putting them on top as decoration, would affect the quality/baking time of
This cake? Thanks!!
You’ll have to play around and see… I honestly don’t think it would have that much of an impact but I’ve never tried it that way so I can’t say for sure. Good luck!
These bars are heavenly! Perfect for summer!
What a fun idea and yours look gorgeous!
Red velvet AND cheesecake? And blueberries?! That is pretty much my dream dessert right there.
So perfect for a celebratory picnic!
Oh my gosh these are gorgeous. That red velvet is calling my name, but that cheesecake layer…**face plant**
Thank you so much Dorothy! It was so nice of you to drop by with such a sweet comment. Hope you’re having a great week 🙂
Should I refridgerate over night? I just took out of oven but taking to a party tomorrow
Hey Cindy! I definitely would. The bars are much easier to cut when they’re cold. Good luck and enjoy!
Ohh… amazing photos!! <3
Thank you so much Justyna!
Can these be frozen?
Yes, absolutely Bonnie! I’d freeze them without the blueberries, and just add those right before serving. Hope you enjoy!
What a gorgeous treat for the 4th! My family never does anything special for Fourth of July, but we certainly enjoy the warm weather and time off 🙂
That’s the best Medha! Enjoy!
Your posts r too lengthy.
Don’t read.
We spend the weekend at our place on the lake. There are tons of old friends here and family around. Lots to do. Your plans sound so nice and relaxing. If you do go to a movie, I highly recommend Finding Dory. The girls and I went two days ago and I laughed so hard I could barely breathe. It was great in the theater in 3d with the surround sound. Not scary either- just one small part with a squid. Anyway, have a wonderful weekend Ali. PS, love these bars. Pinning them! 😉
Thank you so much Katie! We saw Finding Dory the other night and loved it too! Every bit as cute and creative as the first one. Hope you enjoy your lake house this weekend! Have a great one!
This is the best way to celebrate the 4th of July! I am in love and think this is such a gorgeous and classy way to celebrate. I actually did something similar, but with red velvet layer cake for my family last year. This is so much better though – drooling!
Ooh that cake sounds fantastic! I bet your family loved it! Thank you so much Amanda and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Okay I HAVE to make these for the 4th of July!
Lol! I hope you can find a few spare minutes to give the recipe a try, Margaret! Have a great one!