Unleash a burst of color at your next celebration with these eye-catching Rainbow Cheesecake Swirl Bars. Combining the lightness of a sponge cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake, each bite offers a splash of vibrant colors swirled together, creating a festive dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Layer:
- Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ White Cake Mix: 1 box
- Butter, melted: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1
- Milk: 2/3 cup
- Betty Crocker™ Gel Food Colors: Neon Pink, Orange, Purple, Yellow, Green, Blue
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- Cream Cheese, softened: 1 1/2 blocks (12 oz.)
- Sugar: 1/3 cup
- Egg: 1
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Additional milk for thinning batter colors: 9 teaspoons
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with baking spray.
- Make the Rainbow Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and milk until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among six bowls. Add a different gel food color to each bowl and mix well.
- Spoon teaspoonfuls of the various colored batters into the prepared pan, alternating colors to create a rainbow effect. With wet hands, gently press the batter to flatten.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In another bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Pour this cheesecake mixture over the colored cake batter in the pan.
- Create the Swirl Effect:
- Thin out each of the reserved colored batters with a teaspoon of milk per color.
- Drizzle these thinned batters over the cheesecake layer. Using a fork or the tip of a knife, swirl the colors gently to create a marbled effect.
- Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and continue baking for another 14-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake and Chill Time: About 3 hours 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Baking Tips:
- Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring to achieve vivid, eye-popping colors without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Chilling: Ensure the bars are thoroughly chilled before slicing to get clean cuts and the best texture.
- Storage: Keep these bars refrigerated to maintain their freshness and texture.
These Rainbow Cheesecake Swirl Bars are perfect for bringing a playful and delicious addition to any party table, promising a delightful treat that’s sure to capture the attention and palates of guests of all ages!