Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, tangy, and sweet dessert with a buttery crust, a smooth lemon cheesecake filling, and a swirl of raspberry puree for a bright fruity finish.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 4 hrs (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves or puree
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
- Spoon small dollops of raspberry preserves on top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra zest or a splash of lemon extract.
- Fresh raspberry puree can be used instead of preserves for a more natural flavor.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: raspberry lemon cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, lemon dessert, raspberry swirl cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe