Description
These Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy lemon-infused cheesecake filling swirled with fresh strawberry puree, making for a refreshing and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 12 whole sheets graham cracker (for crust)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened, 2 8-ounce bricks)
- â…“ cup sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from pink lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Puree
- â…“ cup fresh strawberries (chopped finely)
- 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add â…“ cup sugar, the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing it out into an even layer.
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries and water. If the mixture is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of water to help blend. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree over the cheesecake filling and use a knife or skewer to swirl the strawberry puree into the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheesecake is set, but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares and serve cold. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon zest for an extra touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use pink lemons if available for a subtle color and flavor twist.
- The strawberry puree swirl adds both flavor and a decorative touch.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon zest to enhance presentation and flavor.
