Ube Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Graham cracker crumbs (for the crust)
• 6 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar (for the crust)
• 16 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar (for the filling)
• 0.5 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 2 Eggs (large, room temperature)
• 0.33 cup Ube jam (halaya; for swirling)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.

3. 3

   Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.

4. 4

   In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.

5. 5

   Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

6. 6

   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix at this stage to avoid incorporating too much air.

7. 7

   Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. 8

   Dollop small spoonfuls of the ube jam across the top of the cheesecake batter.

9. 9

   Use a toothpick or a butter knife to gently swirl the ube jam into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled pattern.

10. 10

    Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

11. 11

    Allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before slicing into squares.

Notes

Ube jam (also known as Ube Halaya) can be found at most Asian grocery stores. Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake texture.

Nutrition per serving

• ube
• cheesecake
• dessert
• baking
• filipino
• bars
• snack