Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
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Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful yet straightforward dessert that balances the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of raspberry in a creamy, rich bar. They have a luscious cheesecake filling that perfectly complements a buttery graham cracker crust. I fell in love with this recipe because it reminds me of sunny days and special gatherings, making it the ideal treat for brunches, picnics, or simply a delicious end to any dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There’s something about the combination of lemon and raspberry that just feels like summer in a dessert! These bars are not only easy to whip up but also bring a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a show-stopping sweet at your next gathering, you’ll find that they strike the right balance between indulgent and refreshing.
"I made these for a family gathering, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe!"
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars is a breeze, and here’s how it comes together: You’ll start by preparing a simple graham cracker crust. While that bakes, whip up a creamy cheesecake filling with a hint of lemon zest. Then it’s just a matter of swirling in some raspberry pie filling before a final bake. In under two hours (including chilling time), your delicious dessert will be ready to enjoy!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to make your Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp. melted butter
- 16 oz. full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can raspberry pie filling
Note: You can substitute with low-fat cream cheese or gluten-free graham crackers if desired!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture firmly into your baking pan to form a crust and bake for 8 minutes.
- While the crust is cooling, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, sugar, sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the eggs and beat just until combined. Avoid overmixing! Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Spoon raspberry pie filling in small circles across the cheesecake and use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirl designs.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely before chilling them in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
- Slice into bars and enjoy your delightful creation!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars can be as fun as making them! Let the bars chill properly for the best texture. You can plate them simply with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For extra flair, garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a light sparkling beverage for your gatherings.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to 5 days. If you’re feeling ambitious, these bars can also be frozen for longer storage! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Soften your cream cheese properly for the smoothest filling. Leave it out at room temperature for an hour before mixing.
- Avoid overbeating the eggs in the cheesecake mixture to keep it light and airy.
- Let the bars chill completely before slicing for clean edges.
Creative Twists
These cheesecake bars are incredibly versatile! Swap out the raspberry filling for strawberry, blueberry, or even a tart cherry filling. If you’re up for experimentation, consider adding white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness or a crumb of crushed nuts in the crust for added texture.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare these cheesecake bars?
A: The total time is about 2.5 hours, including baking and chilling.
Q: Can I use a store-bought cheesecake filling instead?
A: Yes, this can save time, but you’ll miss out on that homemade texture and flavor.
Q: Is it necessary to chill the bars?
A: Yes, chilling helps the bars set properly, allowing for clean cuts and better flavor.
Whip up a batch of these Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars for your next gathering, and watch as they become a favorite among friends and family!
Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture firmly into your baking pan to form a crust and bake for 8 minutes.
- While the crust is cooling, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, sugar, sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the eggs and beat just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Spoon raspberry pie filling in small circles across the cheesecake and use a knife or skewer to create swirl designs.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely before chilling them in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
- Slice into bars and enjoy your delightful creation!
