Rainbow Cheesecake Swirl Bars are the perfect treat when you want to bring a little color and joy to your dessert table. These vibrant, eye-catching bars combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with playful rainbow swirls that are guaranteed to make everyone smile before they even take their first bite.
I created these bars for my niece’s birthday party, and they were such a hit that I’ve been making them regularly ever since. The beauty of these treats is that they look incredibly impressive despite being surprisingly simple to make. The colorful swirls create a stunning marble effect that makes these bars as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
- Show-stopping appearance with minimal effort – perfect for impressing guests
- Creamy, smooth texture with a satisfying graham cracker crust
- Kid-friendly dessert that adults will equally enjoy
- Can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties
- Customizable colors to match any holiday or celebration theme
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup milk, plus 9 extra teaspoons
- Gel food colors: pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened (1-1/2 blocks)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper and spray with baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, one egg and 2/3 cup milk. Stir until well mixed – the batter will be thick, similar to brownie batter. Divide the batter equally among 6 small bowls.
- Add food coloring to each bowl to create purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink batters. Take out 1 tablespoon of each colored batter and set aside for the topping.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of the different colored batters randomly into the bottom of the prepared pan, alternating colors as you go. Once all the batter is used, slightly wet your hands and gently press to flatten the batter evenly across the pan.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons milk to each of the reserved tablespoons of colored batter to thin them out for swirling.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Pour this cheesecake filling evenly over the rainbow cake batter layer.
- Drizzle the thinned colored batters over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or fork to gently swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent the colors from browning. Continue baking for another 14-20 minutes. The center will still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into 24 squares. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Tips & Variations
- For a marbled effect, don’t over-swirl the colors – less is more when it comes to creating beautiful patterns
- Try using gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors that won’t affect the batter consistency
- For a holiday twist, use just red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or your school colors for game day
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a hint of brightness that complements the creamy cheesecake
- For a chocolate variation, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to one portion of the batter instead of food coloring
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the smoothest cheesecake texture
Serving Suggestions
These Rainbow Cheesecake Swirl Bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra special touch. For a dessert table, consider serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of white chocolate sauce.
They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or serve them as the colorful finale to a family dinner. The bright colors make them especially perfect for children’s parties, baby showers, or pride celebrations.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months – wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil.
- The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for the cleanest slices.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without food coloring?
Absolutely! You can make classic cheesecake bars without the coloring, or try natural food colorings like beet juice (pink/red), turmeric (yellow), or matcha powder (green).
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cheesecakes typically crack from overmixing (incorporating too much air), overbaking, or sudden temperature changes. Try mixing just until ingredients are combined, using a water bath, and cooling gradually.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though the texture won’t be quite as rich. If using low-fat cream cheese, reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes as it contains more moisture.
How do I achieve the perfect swirl pattern?
The key is to use a light touch with your swirling tool (toothpick or knife) and not overdo it. Make just a few figure-eight motions through the batter for the best marble effect.
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