Description
These Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling and a vibrant raspberry swirl, offering a perfect balance of tangy, fruity, and indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar (for crust)
1/2 cup melted butter
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
2 eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 tbsp sugar (for raspberry swirl)
1 tsp lemon juice (for raspberry swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Heat raspberries, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5–6 minutes until thickened. Strain seeds if desired. Cool.
- Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
- Pour filling over crust. Drop raspberry mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours.
- Slice and serve. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries.
Notes
Frozen raspberries can be used if thawed before cooking.
Substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Avoid overbaking and cool bars gradually to prevent cracking.
Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze by wrapping tightly; thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
Variations: Use blueberries or blackberries; add lemon extract or toasted almonds; drizzle with white chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg