There is something truly irresistible about the bright, tangy pop of lemon and the sweet, luscious flavor of strawberries combined in a creamy cheesecake bar. The Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe perfectly balances these flavors with a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety, smooth filling that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a refreshing dessert for a summer gathering or a delightful treat to brighten any day, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to for berry desserts that impress with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a simple yet harmonious way that builds the foundation for incredibly flavorful, textured, and colorful bars. Each element plays a vital role, from the crust’s crunch to the creamy filling and vibrant topping.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): Provides a crispy, slightly sweet base that holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup and 1/2 cup): Adds sweetness to both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the crust crumbs and adds richness without overpowering the flavor.
- Cream cheese (16 ounces, softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake with a smooth texture that makes every bite dreamy.
- Large eggs (2): Helps set the cheesecake filling and creates a delicate structure.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds subtle tanginess and moisture, ensuring the filling is perfectly creamy.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Stabilizes the cheesecake filling so it slices cleanly without cracking.
- Lemon zest of 1 lemon: Burst of fresh citrus aroma and bright flavor that awakens your senses.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Infuses the filling with tartness to complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- Strawberry preserves or strawberry sauce (1 cup): Creates a beautiful marbled top with bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh and inviting look as well as an extra juicy pop.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang. This will help you lift the bars out easily later. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t overcook the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1/2 cup sugar until it’s smooth and creamy without any lumps. This part is crucial for that silky texture. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to keep your filling perfectly emulsified. Stir in the sour cream, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and the batter is luscious and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl the Strawberry Topping
Pour the creamy cheesecake filling over your baked crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Next, drop spoonfuls of the strawberry preserves across the top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the preserves through the cheesecake to create gorgeous marbled patterns. These swirls not only look stunning but also bring that sweet-tart strawberry flavor up front in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Chill
Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight wobble. This ensures a creamy, custardy interior instead of dry or cracked. Once baked, let the bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 3 hours — or ideally overnight — to firm up perfectly for slicing.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh strawberries on top instantly elevates the look and taste, making these bars feel like a fancy dessert. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a small sprig of fresh mint adds an elegant finishing touch without distracting from the main event.
Side Dishes
While these cheesecake bars shine on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a luscious creaminess that complements the tangy lemon and fruity strawberry beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut these bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also layer chunks of the bars with fresh berries and whipped cream in pretty glass parfaits for a stunning dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and chilled, store any leftover strawberry lemon cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of schedule.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them slightly softer, let them warm up at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture, making the crust soggy and the filling too soft.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry preserves?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberry puree or chopped strawberries can be swirled into the cheesecake filling for a fresher, less sweet twist. Just make sure to maintain a balance of moisture to avoid making the filling too wet.
Do I need to use full-fat cream cheese?
For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, full-fat cream cheese is best. Using reduced-fat versions may result in a less smooth or slightly dry cheesecake filling.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to slice these cheesecake bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut to get clean slices without cracking or crumbling. This keeps your Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe looking as beautiful as they taste.
How long should I chill the bars before serving?
Chilling for at least 3 hours is essential for the bars to fully set and allow the flavors to meld. Overnight chilling is even better, making slicing easier and the texture perfect every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable, the Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Its lively blend of citrus and berry flavors, paired with creamy texture and crunchy crust, makes it a joy to bake and share. Try this recipe soon, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple at your table!
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Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time not counted)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars, featuring a crisp graham cracker crust and a creamy lemon-infused cheesecake filling swirled with sweet strawberry preserves. Perfectly balanced with a hint of zest, these bars make an irresistible summertime dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup strawberry preserves or strawberry sauce
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust. Bake it for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves over the filling surface.
- Create Strawberry Swirls: Using a knife, gently swirl the strawberry preserves through the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center just sets but still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up for clean slices.
- Serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice into 16 bars, and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Strawberry jam or a fresh strawberry puree can substitute for strawberry preserves.
- Chilling the bars overnight improves slicing ease and enhances flavor melding.
