Description
Sweet rainbow cheesecake swirl bars blend creamy cheesecake with playful color patterns for a delightful dessert experience. Guests will adore these whimsical bars that combine rich cream cheese with cheerful swirled layers of vibrant hues.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layer:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) milk
- 9 teaspoons (44 milliliters) milk
Gel Food Colors:
- Pink food coloring gel
- Orange food coloring gel
- Yellow food coloring gel
- Green food coloring gel
- Blue food coloring gel
- Purple food coloring gel
Cheesecake Layer:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick foil, ensuring even coverage with baking spray.
- Create the cake foundation by mixing cake mix with melted butter, one egg, and milk until achieving a thick, brownie-like consistency. Divide the batter equally into 6 separate containers.
- Transform each batter portion into vibrant hues of purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink using food coloring. Reserve one tablespoon of each colored batter for later decoration.
- Construct the rainbow base by randomly dropping and distributing teaspoonfuls of colored batters across the pan. Gently flatten the layers using slightly dampened hands to ensure even coverage.
- Thin the reserved colored batters by incorporating 1 1/2 teaspoons of milk into each, preparing them for artistic swirling.
- Craft the cheesecake layer by whipping cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then integrating egg and vanilla extract. Distribute this creamy mixture evenly over the multicolored cake base.
- Enhance the visual appeal by drizzling the thinned colored batters across the cheesecake surface. Use a knife to create delicate marbled patterns through gentle swirling motions.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then shield with aluminum foil to prevent color darkening. Continue baking for an additional 14-20 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that will set during cooling.
- Allow the dessert to cool at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Slice into 24 squares and store remaining portions in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Perfectly Swirl Technique Gently drag a toothpick or thin knife through the colored batters to create delicate, intricate marble patterns without overmixing.
- Color Vibrancy Tip Use gel food coloring for more intense, bright colors that won’t water down the cake batter and maintain sharp, vivid rainbow layers.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix alternative to make this dessert suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Chilling Magic Refrigerating the bars allows the cheesecake layer to set completely, ensuring clean, precise cuts and enhanced flavor development.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg