Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Bars

Introduction:

Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Bars are a delightful treat that combine a tangy lemon cheesecake filling with a sweet graham cracker crust, swirled with raspberry preserves. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh raspberries and lemon slices, these bars offer a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
• Fresh raspberries, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Whipped cream, for garnish

Directions

Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Create the Crust

2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Make the Filling

4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Mix in the sour cream, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.

Assemble the Bars

8. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust.
9. Drop raspberry preserves by spoonfuls over the filling.
10. Use a knife to gently swirl the preserves into the cream cheese mixture.

Bake to Perfection

11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
12. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.

Garnish & Serve

13. Garnish each bar with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Servings: 16 bars

Variations

• Berry Swirls: Replace raspberry preserves with blueberry or strawberry preserves for a different fruit twist.
• Nutty Crust: Add chopped nuts to the graham cracker crust for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • For best results, use cream cheese. Substituting may affect the texture and flavor.
2. Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of lemon juice and zest?
   • Yes, but adjust the quantity to taste. Lemon curd will add extra sweetness.
3. What if I don’t have fresh raspberries for garnish?
   • You can use frozen raspberries or simply omit the garnish.
4. Can I use a different type of crust?
   • Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a pre-made cookie crust or a nut-based crust.
5. How can I tell if the bars are done baking?
   • The edges should be lightly browned, and the center should be set but slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
6. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   • Yes, it’s actually better when made ahead and chilled for several hours or overnight.
7. How can I make the bars more tangy?
   • Increase the amount of lemon juice or zest slightly to enhance the lemon flavor.
8. Can I use a different fruit preserve for the swirl?
   • Absolutely, you can use any fruit preserve you like.
9. What’s the best way to cut the bars?
   • Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife to cut through the bars cleanly.
10. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    • Yes, but the texture and richness might be slightly different.

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that offers a refreshing combination of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry flavors, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. They are perfect for a summer gathering or any time you want to impress with a beautifully layered and delicious treat. Enjoy these bars chilled for a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.

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