These keto raspberry cheesecake bars are little layered bites of heaven, a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that won't derail your low-carb diet. From the fresh raspberry topping to the buttery crust, they offer a much more complex and satisfying experience than plain keto cheesecake bars. Keto cheesecake is a beloved dessert, and this recipe elevates it to a new level. With only 3.5g net carbs per serving, these bars are an amazing summertime treat.
Why These Bars Are Special
These bars boast several layers of deliciousness. A crisp, buttery crust forms the foundation, followed by a smooth cheesecake layer, topped with a fresh and sweet raspberry sauce. This recipe is also adaptable for different flavors. While raspberry is highlighted, blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries can be used as well.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
The recipe relies on common keto ingredients, many of which are also used in classic and no-bake keto cheesecake recipes.
- Almond Flour: Forms the base of the crust. Walnut flour or sunflower seed flour can be used as substitutes in equal amounts. Coconut flour is not a suitable replacement.
- Confectioners Swerve: A sugar substitute used to sweeten the crust, cheesecake filling, and raspberry sauce. Allulose is another viable option.
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen raspberries create the sweet-tart topping. Other berries like blueberries or blackberries can be substituted.
Preparing the Raspberry Sauce
The raspberry sauce is a crucial element of these bars. To make it, combine fresh or frozen raspberries, a sugar substitute, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the berries dissolve, stirring constantly. For a smoother sauce, pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer, pressing down on the berry mixture to extract the liquid. If the puree thickens too much, add a tablespoon or so of water to thin it out.
Crafting the Buttery Crust
The crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil and grease with cooking spray. A glass pan can also be used.
- Combine almond flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and a sugar substitute.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or approximately 15-20 minutes until light golden brown, until the edges just turn brown.
- Let the crust cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
A chocolate crust can also be used.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
For a smooth and creamy filling, ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature. If needed, warm butter and cream cheese (still in their wrapping) on the stovetop while preheating the oven. Eggs can be brought to room temperature by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and then line an 8x8in pan.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300F.
- Combine cream cheese, egg yolk, Swerve, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix in yogurt and then mix in the eggs one at a time on low speed.
- Pour filling onto crust, smoothing the top.
- Dollop about half of the white chocolate cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, then drizzle with about half of the raspberry sauce. Repeat this with the remaining batter and sauce. Then swirl until it’s all beautifully mixed up!
Swirling the Raspberry Puree
Pour the raspberry puree by large spoonfuls on top of the cheesecake filling. Use a sharp knife to swirl the puree in a vertical motion up and down, then turn and swirl it horizontally to create a marbled effect. Avoid over-swirling, as this can result in a pale pink cheesecake.
Baking to Perfection
- Bake the cheesecake for approximately 30-35 minutes. The center should be barely set, with a slight jiggle in the middle, while the edges are firm.
- The cheesecake is done when the outer edges are firm and the center has a slight jiggle. You can also check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer, which should read between 180°F and 190°F.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool, then place in fridge and chill for a few hours before slicing.
Optional Crumble Topping
For added texture, consider adding a crumble topping:
- Combine butter, almond flour, nuts, and confectioners swerve in a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture resembles a crumb-like texture.
- Gently sprinkle the crumble layer over the top of the cheesecake filling before baking.
Cooling and Storing
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
To store leftovers, tightly wrap the pan in plastic wrap or transfer the bars to an airtight container. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cheesecake bars at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Keto-Friendly Swaps
Traditional cheesecake recipes are not keto-friendly due to their high sugar and carbohydrate content. This recipe utilizes several key swaps to make it suitable for a ketogenic diet:
- White Flour -> Almond Flour: Adds more nutrients and healthy fats, making the dessert more filling with fewer carbs.
- Sugar -> Erythritol: A staple for keto desserts.
- Brown Sugar -> Sukrin Gold: Another keto-friendly sweetener option.
Variations and Adaptations
- Berry Variations: Experiment with different berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for the topping.
- Extracts: Enhance the flavor with almond extract in the almond layer.
- Yogurt: Use vanilla or plain Greek yogurt if you don't have raspberry yogurt.
- White Chocolate: Incorporate keto-friendly white chocolate for a richer, more decadent flavor. Melt white chocolate with cocoa butter and stir into the cheesecake filling.
Serving and Enjoying
These keto raspberry cheesecake bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your low-carb lifestyle. They are ideal for parties, gatherings, or a simple after-dinner treat.
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated using software. It's important to independently calculate nutritional information based on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
tags: #keto #raspberry #cheesecake #bars #recipe