These no-bake cheesecake bars get a stunning, swirly topping of blackberries that looks more like art than dessert. Bonus: The cheesecake itself is tart and fluffy with the creamiest texture.
Ingredients
FOR THE BLACKBERRY TOPPING
6oz.
blackberries
1/4c.
granulated sugar
Juice of 1/2 lime
FOR THE CRUST
1
sleeve graham crackers, crushed (about 1 1/4 c.)
5tbsp.
unsalted butter, melted
1/4c.
granulated sugar
FOR THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
1c.
heavy cream
1c.
powdered sugar, divided
2
(8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
1/4c.
Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
1tsp.
pure vanilla extract
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of kosher salt
Directions
Directions
Step 1Make blackberry topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add blackberries, sugar, and lime juice. Simmer, breaking up blackberries with a fork, until all blackberries are broken down and mixture just begins to thicken, about 8 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Let cool. (Mixture will remain liquidy.)
Step 2Make crust: In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, add graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter and mix until mixture looks like wet sand.
Step 3Add crust mixture to an 8”-x-8” baking dish and spread into an even layer. Using the back of a spoon or small measuring cup, pack crust in tightly.
Step 4Make filling: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), beat cream and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to another bowl.
Step 5In the bowl you used to whip the cream, beat cream cheese and remaining ¾ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, vanilla, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Beat until no lumps remain. Add about ¼ cup of whipped cream and stir into mixture. Add remaining whipped cream and gently fold in until just combined.
Step 6Pour mixture over crust and use an offset spatula to smooth top. Drop small spoonfuls of blackberry topping all over top of cheesecake. Use a toothpick to swirl mixture into top of cheesecake. Add more blackberry topping until your desired pattern and coverage is reached.
Step 7Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.