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Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy and tangy cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a sweet strawberry lemon topping, these bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for strawberry topping)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for strawberry topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
  4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set and a slight jiggle remains.
  5. While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the strawberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Once the cheesecake has finished baking, allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
  7. Once chilled, spread the strawberry topping over the cheesecake layer. Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure the cheesecake is completely cooled before refrigerating for the best texture.
  • For a smoother topping, you can blend the strawberry topping before applying it to the cheesecake.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://simplemealsbykim.com/strawberry-lemon-cheesecake-bars/