Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and the refreshing zing of lemon, beautifully swirled with sweet raspberry jam. This dessert is not only easy to make, but its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat at home, these bars are both comforting and nostalgic. Get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine with every bite! In this post, we will walk you through the recipe step-by-step so you can create this sensational dessert effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll be pleased to discover just how simple this recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars make for a quick and easy dessert that anyone can whip up. Your family and friends will be raving about their sweet-tart flavor, and with the luscious creamy texture and crispy crust, these bars are bound to become a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, they can be prepared ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for entertaining or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: These create a crispy, buttery base that perfectly complements the creaminess of the cheesecake.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to balance the tartness of the filling.
• 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds richness and binds the crumbs together for that perfect crust.
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened: The heart of the cheesecake, making it creamy and decadent.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the filling and enhance the flavors of lemon and raspberry.
• 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and giving the bars structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that adds depth and warmth.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: This contributes to the cheesecake’s creamy texture and adds a slight tang.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the dessert with its citrus flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a refreshing aroma.
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam: Provides a sweet-tart raspberry swirl throughout the bars.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances the fruity flavors in the jam.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base.

3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add each egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until completely combined and smooth.

4. Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

5. Add the raspberry swirl: In a small bowl, combine the raspberry jam and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Drop spoonfuls of this raspberry mixture over the cheesecake batter and use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.

6. Bake the cheesecake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.

7. Slice and serve: Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

For best flavor, use fresh lemons for juice and zest. If you want to elevate the raspberry flavor, consider adding fresh raspberries on top before serving. If the cheesecake bars crack while baking, don’t worry too much! They will still taste delicious, and the raspberry swirl will cover any imperfections.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are perfect served chilled on their own, but you can elevate the presentation by topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh berries. They can be enjoyed at any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant dessert parties. Pair them with a light herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade for a delectable treat that celebrates summer flavors.

Nutritional Information

Each bar has approximately 200 calories, with the following nutritional breakdown: 12g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber. While delicious, consider enjoying these in moderation and balancing with a nutritious diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Feel free to experiment with different fruit flavors by substituting the raspberry jam with strawberry, blueberry, or even peach!

Conclusion

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are an easy yet impressive dessert that captures the essence of sunshine in every bite. Try your hand at this delightful recipe, and share your experiences and variations with us! Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply wanting to indulge in a sweet treat, these cheesecake bars are sure to become a new favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour mixed with a little sweetener.

2. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Absolutely! You can mash fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to create a fresh raspberry topping. Just note that the texture and sweetness will vary.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for a similar flavor and texture.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pan, just be mindful that the baking time may slightly increase.

5. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The bars should be set in the center but still have a slight jiggle. They will firm as they cool, so do not overbake them to prevent them from cracking.

Print Recipe

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and refreshing lemon, beautifully swirled with sweet raspberry jam. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time4 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bars, cheesecake, Easy Dessert, Raspberry Lemon, Summer Treat

Servings: 9 pieces

Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs These create a crispy, buttery base.
• 0.25 cups granulated sugar Just a hint of sweetness to balance the tartness.
• 0.5 cups melted butter Adds richness and binds the crumbs together.

For the cheesecake filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened The heart of the cheesecake, creamy and decadent.
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar To sweeten the filling.
• 2 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth and warmth.
• 0.25 cups sour cream Contributes to the creamy texture.
• 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice Brightens the dessert.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest Intensifies the lemon flavor.

For the raspberry swirl

• 0.5 cups raspberry jam Provides a sweet-tart swirl.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Enhances the fruity flavors.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Making the cheesecake filling

• In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Blend in vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until completely combined.

Assembling and baking

• Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and spread evenly.
• In a small bowl, mix raspberry jam and lemon juice. Drop spoonfuls over the cheesecake batter and swirl gently with a knife.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Serving

• Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lemons. Consider adding fresh raspberries on top. If the bars crack, don’t worry; they will still taste delicious.