Making Decadent Low Carb Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients for Low Carb Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
Almond Flour: Opt for super fine almond flour to achieve the perfect crust.
Unsalted Butter: Grass-fed is preferred for a richer flavor.
Eggs: Essential for binding the crust and filling.
Sweetener: Use Swerve confectioners or powdered erythritol for sweetness without the carbs.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat for the creamiest texture.
Blackberries: Fresh and juicy for that burst of berry flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture.
Lemon Zest: For a hint of citrusy brightness.
Optional: Whipped cream for serving.
Making Keto Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
Preparing the Crust
Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, mix 2 cups of super fine almond flour, ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 whole egg, ⅓ cup Swerve confectioners, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until a dough forms.
Press the Dough: Line an 8×8 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the dish to form the crust.
Set Aside: Place the crust aside while you prepare the filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Cream the Cheese: In a food processor or stand mixer, beat 16 ounces of full-fat cream cheese until smooth.
Add Eggs and Sweetener: Mix in 2 whole eggs one at a time, followed by ½ cup of Swerve confectioners added slowly.
Incorporate Flavorings: Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ⅓ cup sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until combined.
Fold in Blackberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blackberries until they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour Over Crust: Spread the filling evenly over the prepared crust using a spatula.
Baking and Setting
Bake: Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-40 minutes. The center should be just set with a slight jiggle.
Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or until fully set.
Serve: Cut into bars using a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices. Optionally, serve with whipped cream and additional fresh blackberries.
Tips for Perfect Keto Cheesecake Bars
Ingredient Quality
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese is crucial for the rich and creamy texture. Low-fat alternatives can introduce fillers that affect the cheesecake’s consistency.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
Mixing and Baking
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter introduces air, which can cause bubbles and cracks during baking.
Don’t Overbake: The bars should have a slight jiggle in the center when done. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture and cracked surface.
Cooling and Serving
Proper Cooling: Ensure the cheesecake bars are fully cooled and chilled before slicing to maintain their structure.
Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for the best presentation.