Description
Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars feature a creamy cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a vibrant cranberry swirl. These bars strike the perfect balance of tangy lemon and tart cranberries, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup sour cream
- For the cranberry swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Finally, mix in the sour cream until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the cranberry swirl: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cranberry mixture over the cheesecake filling, then use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cranberry mixture into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Chill and serve: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow them to set completely. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store the Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are best served chilled.
- If you prefer, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- For a different berry option, you can substitute cranberries with raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg