Description
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a tangy lemon cheesecake filling and a sweet strawberry swirl. These bars are refreshing, creamy, and perfect for spring and summer treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the strawberry swirl:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- While crust bakes, prepare the strawberry swirl: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thick and jam-like (5–7 minutes). Mash or blend until smooth. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry mixture over the top and swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3 hours or until fully chilled.
- Once chilled, lift out of the pan using parchment overhang, slice into bars, and serve cold.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg