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Epic Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Epic Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars combine a creamy lemon cheesecake filling with a sweet-tart raspberry swirl on a buttery graham cracker crust, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar (for raspberry swirl)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
  5. Mix in flour until smooth and pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
  6. In a small bowl, mash raspberries with 2 tbsp sugar. Spoon the raspberry mixture over the cheesecake and swirl using a knife or toothpick.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps.
  • Bars are easiest to slice when fully chilled.