Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, refreshing flavors of strawberry and lemon. The tangy lemon zest and juice balance perfectly with the sweet strawberries, creating a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. These bars are a perfect summer treat, offering a refreshing yet indulgent bite that’s ideal for parties, picnics, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup sour cream

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
3. For the cheesecake filling, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Fold in the sour cream and mix until smooth. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
7. For the strawberry topping, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juice.
8. Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, spread the strawberry topping evenly over the bars before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 9-12 bars.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 5 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Add a drizzle of lemon glaze over the bars for an extra citrusy kick.
• Use a mix of berries for a berry medley topping.
• Substitute a graham cracker crust with an Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist.
• Swirl some strawberry jam into the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie for the crust.

Can I substitute the sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you prefer a lighter option.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, you can swirl store-bought lemon curd into the cheesecake filling for a more intense lemon flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing, fruity twist on the classic cheesecake. Their creamy texture, zesty lemon flavor, and sweet strawberry topping make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’ll quickly become a go-to dessert in your collection.

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