Description
These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. A buttery graham cracker crust holds a smooth lemon cheesecake layer, topped with a vibrant homemade strawberry swirl. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer parties, or whenever you crave a bright and refreshing dessert, these bars balance sweetness and citrus beautifully in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- In a small saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Spoon strawberry mixture over cheesecake batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
For clean slices, chill the bars thoroughly and wipe the knife between cuts. You can substitute raspberries for strawberries if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
