Description
A delightful balance of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon swirl, these bars are a family favorite that promise to brighten any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 1 tablespoon additional lemon juice for swirl
- Additional lemon zest for swirl
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Combine with melted butter and press into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese until creamy, then blend in sugar, followed by eggs one at a time. Mix in lemon zest and juice.
- In a separate bowl, take 1 cup of the cheesecake mixture and mix with additional lemon juice and zest for the swirl.
- Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust, dolloping the lemon mixture on top and swirling gently.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until center is set with a slight jiggle. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Lift bars from the dish using parchment, slice, serve chilled, and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese and eggs with flaxseed eggs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesecake, lemon dessert, family recipe, bars, summer dessert, quick dessert