Description
A refreshing dessert bar featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy lemon cheesecake filling, and a swirl of raspberry preserves. Garnished with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and whipped cream, these bars offer a delightful balance of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Create the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Drop raspberry preserves by spoonfuls over the filling. Use a knife to gently swirl the preserves into the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish each bar with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- The bars need to chill for at least 4 hours to set properly; overnight chilling is even better.
- You can use store-bought lemon curd as a substitute for the lemon juice and zest for a more intense lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg