Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, luscious cheesecake bar bursting with the vibrant, tangy flavor of fresh kiwi. These Kiwi Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of rich, velvety cheesecake and bright, tropical fruit that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a summer gathering or a delightful treat to brighten your day, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 200g digestive biscuits or speculoos / 7 oz graham crackers
- 100g melted butter / 1/2 cup unsalted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 400g cream cheese (Philadelphia-style), room temperature / 14 oz
- 150g sugar / 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150ml double cream / 2/3 cup heavy cream
For the Kiwi Topping:
- 4 ripe kiwis, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 6).
- Crush the biscuits into a fine powder using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Mix the biscuit crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gently stir in vanilla extract and double cream.
- Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Kiwi Topping
- Dice the ripe kiwis into small, uniform cubes.
- In a separate bowl, mix kiwi pieces with sugar and lemon juice.
- Carefully spread the kiwi mixture over the cheesecake filling.
4. Baking and Cooling
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serving
- Cut into 12 bars before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with additional kiwi slices or a drizzle of fruit coulis.
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per bar: Approximately 320-350 calories
Why These Kiwi Cheesecake Bars Are a Healthy Treat
These delightful bars offer more than just incredible taste. Kiwis are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They support immune function, aid digestion, and add a natural sweetness with fewer calories. The cream cheese provides protein and calcium, making this dessert a slightly more nutritious indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Pro Tips
- Choose very ripe kiwis for maximum sweetness and easier cutting.
- Let the cheesecake bars come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Discover the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and bright, zesty kiwi in every delectable bite!