Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

In the event you love the intense flavors of lemon and strawberry, you’re in for a deal with.

These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars mix a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky lemon cheesecake filling, and a candy strawberry swirl for a dessert that’s each refreshing and indulgent.

Good for spring and summer time gatherings, these bars provide a steadiness of tart and candy flavors in each chunk.

They’re straightforward to make, require easy components, and ship a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Whether or not you’re a cheesecake lover or simply in search of a brand new dessert to impress company, this recipe is not going to disappoint.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

The proper steadiness of tart and candy
A clean, creamy texture with a buttery crust
Straightforward to make with easy components
Nice for events, holidays, or a weekend deal with

Components Wanted

For the Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 giant eggs
¼ cup bitter cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Swirl

1 cup contemporary or frozen strawberries, hulled
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Put together the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for simple removing.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir till the combination resembles moist sand.
Press the combination evenly into the underside of the ready baking pan.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, then put aside to chill whereas getting ready the filling.

2. Make the Lemon Cheesecake Filling

In a big bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar collectively till clean and creamy.
Add the eggs, separately, mixing after every addition.
Stir within the bitter cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Combine till totally included and clean.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

3. Put together the Strawberry Swirl

In a small saucepan, mix the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Cook dinner over medium warmth, stirring steadily, till the strawberries break down and the combination thickens barely, about 5 minutes.
Take away from warmth and let cool for a couple of minutes.
Mix the combination till clean, then spoon small dollops over the cheesecake filling.
Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the strawberry combination into the cheesecake.

4. Bake and Chill

Bake the cheesecake bars for 35-40 minutes, or till the middle is barely set and now not jiggly.
Take away from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about an hour.
Switch to the fridge and chill for at the least 4 hours, ideally in a single day, earlier than slicing and serving.

strawberry lemon cheesecake bars close up

Suggestions for the Greatest Cheesecake Bars

Use room temperature components for a clean and lump-free filling.
Keep away from overbaking—the middle ought to nonetheless have a slight jiggle whenever you take it out of the oven.
Chill for at the least 4 hours earlier than slicing to attain clear, agency bars.
Use contemporary lemon juice and zest for one of the best taste.
For a extra intense strawberry taste, add an additional tablespoon of strawberry puree.

Variations and Substitutions

Crust variations: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, and even an almond flour crust for a gluten-free model.
Totally different fruit choices: Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a singular twist.
Dairy-free various: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream rather than common cream cheese and bitter cream.

How you can Retailer and Freeze

Refrigerating

Retailer the cheesecake bars in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze, lower the bars into particular person parts and wrap every bit tightly in plastic wrap.
Retailer in an hermetic container and freeze for as much as 2 months.
When able to eat, thaw within the fridge in a single day.

Recipe FAQ’s

What if I don’t have a meals processor to mix the strawberry swirl?

You may mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher for a chunkier swirl or use a high quality mesh strainer to create a smoother consistency.

Can I make these cheesecake bars upfront?

Sure! These bars truly style higher when made a day forward since chilling enhances their taste and texture.

Can I take advantage of a special pan dimension?

An 8×8-inch pan is good for thick bars, however a 9×9-inch pan can even work. Simply observe {that a} bigger pan will lead to thinner bars, and baking time may have slight adjustment.