Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balance the tangy brightness of lemon with the sweet, tart essence of fresh raspberries. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home. Each bite of these creamy bars melts in your mouth, leaving you longing for just one more taste. With a simple set of ingredients and straightforward steps, making these cheerful cheesecake bars is a breeze. They are not only delicious but also visually captivating, making them a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best aspects of Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars is their ease of preparation. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward baking process, you can whip up these bars in no time. They are a crowd-pleaser, combining classic flavors that appeal to children and adults alike. The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham cracker crust, and vibrant raspberry swirls is irresistible, making it a surefire hit at potlucks or picnics. Additionally, these bars are conveniently chilled, making them perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Their bright colors evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia that will transport you back to sunny summer days.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – These create the delightful, crunchy base that complements the creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 1/2 cup melted butter – Brings richness and helps bind the crumbs together for a sturdy crust.
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened – This creamy goodness forms the base of the cheesecake filling, making it incredibly smooth and luscious.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese for a balanced flavor.
• 2 large eggs – Adds structure and helps set the cheesecake filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Provides warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1/4 cup sour cream – Contributes a tangy taste and creamy texture.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Infuses the filling with bright, zesty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Enhances the citrus flavor, providing a fragrant aroma.
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam – Gives a naturally sweet and tart burst of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Used to thin out the jam for easy swirling.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal later on.

2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a sturdy crust.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, incorporate the vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat until everything is combined and smooth.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon for a smooth surface.

5. Swirl in the Raspberry: In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam with the tablespoon of lemon juice. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cheesecake batter, using a knife to swirl it gently to create a marbled effect.

6. Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once baked, allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.

7. Serve: To serve, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh raspberries on top before serving for a pop of color. You can also modify the sweetness of your raspberry swirls by adjusting the amount of jam based on your personal preference. If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, adding a bit more lemon zest will enhance that zesty punch. Passing the cheesecake batter through a fine sieve before pouring over the crust will ensure a silky smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are perfect for summer barbeques, birthdays, and holiday gatherings. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience. Pair your dessert with a refreshing iced tea or a light, sparkling lemonade. These bars can also be enjoyed alongside fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or more raspberries for a colorful, fruity dessert spread.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars contains approximately 200 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. This dessert is rich in flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content. It’s always a good idea to enjoy these delicious bars as part of a balanced diet!

Storing Tips & Variations

To keep your Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. These bars can also be frozen for up to three months. Just cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between the squares to prevent sticking. For variations, try using other fruit jams such as blueberry or strawberry instead of raspberry, or mix in lemon zest to make a citrus lover’s dream!

Conclusion

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that will sweeten any occasion. With their beautiful colors and rich flavors, they invite you to enjoy life’s moments while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing these bars at a gathering or enjoying them as a midnight snack, they are sure to please. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today, and experience the joy of making and tasting these scrumptious cheesecake bars!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
   Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be substituted, but keep in mind it may affect the creaminess of the bars slightly.

2. How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
   Be careful not to overbeat the mixture, as too much air can cause cracking. Additionally, ensure that the cheesecake is not overbaked; it should be set but still slightly jiggle in the center.

3. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover them well to maintain freshness.

4. Is it possible to use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
   While you can use fresh raspberries, make sure to mash them first and consider adding a bit of sugar for sweetness. The jam helps to create a smoother swirl.

5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   The bars are baked correctly when the edges are firm and the center has only a slight jiggle. They will continue to set as they cool.

Print Recipe

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

These delightful Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars perfectly balance the tangy brightness of lemon with the sweet, tart essence of fresh raspberries, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time4 hours hrs

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bars, cheesecake, dessert, Lemon, Raspberry

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs These create the delightful, crunchy base.
• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the crust.
• 0.5 cups 1/2 cup melted butter Brings richness to the crust.

For the filling

• 16 oz 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened Forms the base of the cheesecake filling.
• 0.75 cups 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cream cheese.
• 2 large 2 large eggs Adds structure to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Provides warmth to the flavor.
• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup sour cream Contributes a tangy taste.
• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Infuses filling with zesty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon zest Enhances the citrus flavor.
• 0.5 cups 1/2 cup raspberry jam Gives a sweet and tart burst of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon juice Used to thin out the jam.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together until smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Incorporate the vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating until well combined.

Assemble and Bake

• Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly.
• Mix the raspberry jam with the tablespoon of lemon juice, drop spoonfuls over the cheesecake batter, and swirl gently with a knife.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set fully.

Serve

• Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy.

Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh raspberries on top before serving. Adjust sweetness of raspberry swirls as preferred. For a more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest.