Naturally Rainbow Cheesecake Bars

Rainbow cheesecake bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, but concerns about artificial food coloring, especially around children, can dampen the enjoyment. Recipe developer Katie Rosenhouse with her ingenious solution: naturally rainbow cheesecake bars.

The foundation of these bars is a classic graham cracker crust, providing a crisp base for the creamy cheesecake layer. Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt come together to create a luscious filling. However, it’s the toppings that truly elevate these bars to a colorful masterpiece.

Rather than relying on artificial dyes, Rosenhouse employs an array of natural ingredients to achieve the vibrant rainbow effect. Raspberry, apricot, and blueberry jam, along with matcha green tea powder and lemon curd, not only lend their vivid hues but also impart a delightful mix of fruity flavors.

The process begins by preparing and baking the crust until it’s perfectly set. Meanwhile, the cheesecake batter is whipped up and poured over the crust. Then comes the fun part: piping lines of jam and curd over the batter in rainbow order. A gentle swirl with a knife creates a mesmerizing pattern, ensuring every slice is a work of art.

After baking until just slightly jiggly in the center, the cheesecake is cooled and chilled for at least two hours to set. Once firm, it’s lifted out of the pan, trimmed, and sliced into delectable squares. For serving, a dollop of whipped cream and a scattering of fresh blueberries provide the finishing touch.

To achieve clean, picture-perfect slices, it’s crucial to allow the cheesecake ample time to chill. When it’s time to cut, a warm knife dipped in hot water ensures smooth edges and neat portions.

With their vibrant swirls and tantalizing flavors, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Re-reported from the article originally published in TastingTable.