Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 3hours
- Yield: 12bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, tart raspberries, and zesty lemon, all layered on a buttery graham cracker crust. These easy-to-make bars are the ultimate refreshing dessert, ideal for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
-
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
-
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
-
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined.
- Add Eggs & Flavor: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Gently place raspberries on top, pressing them slightly into the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool & Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired and cut into bars before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.
- If using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them before baking.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The bright citrusy lemon complements the sweet and slightly tart raspberries beautifully.
- A smooth and creamy cheesecake layer makes these bars extra indulgent.
- The buttery graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch to balance the creamy filling.
- Easy to slice and serve, making them great for gatherings and special occasions.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Eggs
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
- Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a firm crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and continue mixing.
- Incorporate the eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Add flavor: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Gently drop raspberries on top, slightly pressing them into the filling.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired and cut into bars before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Berry Swap: Substitute raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the bars for extra decadence.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped almonds or pecans to the crust for added texture.
- Extra Citrus Flavor: Mix in a bit of orange or lime zest along with the lemon zest.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warm, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating.
FAQs
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?
Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. Let the bars cool gradually before refrigerating.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the cheesecake layer to prevent excess moisture.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish works best for these bars.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Do I need a water bath for baking?
No, since these are cheesecake bars, a water bath is not necessary.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used if needed.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for neat slices.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute like Greek yogurt or a commercial egg replacer.
How do I make the crust firmer?
Press the crust firmly into the pan and bake it for a few extra minutes to ensure it sets properly.
Can I add a raspberry swirl instead of whole raspberries?
Yes, blend raspberries into a puree and swirl it into the cheesecake filling before baking.
Conclusion
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful, tangy, and creamy treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth lemon cheesecake filling, and juicy raspberries, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Whether you make them for a summer gathering, a holiday dessert, or just a sweet craving, they are simple to prepare and absolutely delicious. Try them today and enjoy a refreshing, fruity cheesecake in bar form!
