If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels bakery-worthy yet simple to make at home, these White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect choice. They feature a buttery graham cracker crust, ultra-creamy white chocolate cheesecake filling, and vibrant swirls of sweet-tart raspberry.

The contrast of rich white chocolate and bright berries makes these bars elegant enough for holidays and special occasions — yet easy enough for weekend baking.

Whether you’re serving them at brunch, a baby shower, or a family gathering, these cheesecake bars always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars

Smooth, creamy texture
Beautiful raspberry swirl
Perfect balance of sweet and tart

Easy-to-slice bar format
Great make-ahead dessert
Freezer-friendly

They offer all the flavor of classic cheesecake — without the stress of a water bath.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons melted butter

For the White Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

6 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

For the Raspberry Swirl

¾ cup raspberry preserves (or homemade raspberry sauce)
Fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)

Choosing the Right White Chocolate

For the smoothest, richest flavor, use real white chocolate instead of white baking chips. High-quality options from companies like:

Ghirardelli
Lindt

melt more smoothly and create a creamier cheesecake texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes.

Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

Melt white chocolate in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each.
Allow to cool slightly before adding to batter.

Do not overheat — white chocolate scorches easily.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and mix until creamy.

Beat in eggs one at a time.
Add vanilla and sour cream.
Gently mix in melted white chocolate.

Avoid overmixing to prevent excess air in the batter.

Step 5: Add Raspberry Swirl

Pour cheesecake batter over crust.
Drop spoonfuls of raspberry preserves over the top.

Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl.

Don’t over-swirl — you want distinct ribbons of raspberry.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes until:

Center is slightly set
Edges are lightly golden
Middle has a slight jiggle

Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

How to Get Clean, Perfect Slices

Chill thoroughly before cutting.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.

Wipe blade clean between cuts.

This ensures bakery-style presentation.

Flavor Profile

These bars offer:

Creamy, velvety cheesecake
Sweet, smooth white chocolate notes
Bright, tangy raspberry contrast

Buttery, slightly crunchy crust

The sweetness of white chocolate is perfectly balanced by the acidity of raspberries.

Variations

1. Dark Chocolate Raspberry Version

Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter for contrast.

2. Almond Twist

Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to enhance raspberry flavor.

3. Healthier Option

Replace part of the sugar with pure maple syrup.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Choose high-cacao white chocolate with lower sugar.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container up to 5 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Bar)

Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 20g

Protein: 4g
Sugar: 21g

Values vary depending on brands used.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

Yes. Simmer fresh raspberries with 1–2 tablespoons sugar until thickened, then strain seeds.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Overbaking or overmixing can cause cracks. Slight jiggle in center is ideal.

Do I need a water bath?

No. Because these are bars and thinner than a traditional cheesecake, a water bath isn’t necessary.

Perfect Occasions for These Bars

Easter dessert tables
Bridal or baby showers
Valentine’s Day

Holiday gatherings
Brunch spreads

They look elegant but require minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

The white chocolate adds:

Extra creaminess
Subtle sweetness

Stable texture

Meanwhile, raspberry preserves cut through the richness with just the right tart balance. The graham crust anchors everything with buttery crunch.

Final Thoughts

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are creamy, beautiful, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. They offer an elegant twist on traditional cheesecake while staying approachable and easy to make.

If you’re building a dessert collection filled with crowd-pleasing favorites, this one absolutely deserves a place at the top.