These Patriotic Cheesecake Bars are creamy, colorful, and irresistibly festive. Featuring a classic graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, and vibrant red and blue swirls or toppings, they’re the perfect make-ahead dessert for your 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any red, white, and blue celebration!

If there’s one dessert I never skip for our Fourth of July party—it’s these Patriotic Cheesecake Bars. The first time I made them was on a whim. I had leftover cream cheese, graham crackers, and a little red and blue food coloring from cupcake decorating. I thought, why not swirl it into cheesecake?

To my surprise, they turned out beautifully patriotic—like fireworks in dessert form. Now, it’s tradition.

I make them the night before, and they chill perfectly in the fridge, ready to slice and impress the crowd the next day.

Everyone—from my cheesecake-loving husband to picky-eating kids—loves them.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and rich – Smooth cheesecake with a classic flavor everyone loves.
Festive and eye-catching – Red, white, and blue swirls or toppings make it a showstopper.
Easy to make ahead – Chill overnight and serve the next day.
Customizable – Add fresh berries or festive sprinkles for extra flair.
Perfect for parties – Sliceable and easy to serve to a crowd.

🛒 Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp melted butter

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese (softened)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red and blue gel food coloring
Optional: fresh strawberries, blueberries, or patriotic sprinkles for topping

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Color & Swirl

Reserve two small bowls of batter (about ¼ cup each). Tint one red and the other blue using gel food coloring. Pour the remaining white batter over the crust. Add red and blue dollops on top and swirl with a toothpick or knife to create a marble effect.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Remove and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Use parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and top with berries or sprinkles if desired.

❓FAQs

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Yes! They’re actually best when made a day in advance so they can fully chill and set.

Do I have to swirl the colors?

Not at all! You can layer the colored batter instead or even skip the coloring and just top with berries for a red, white & blue effect.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, a pre-made graham cracker crust works too—just note the baking time may vary slightly.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.