Description
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy lemon-infused cheesecake, and a vibrant raspberry swirl. Perfect for summer gatherings or make-ahead desserts, they’re refreshing, rich, and beautifully balanced with sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for raspberry sauce)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2/3 cup sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, 2 tbsp sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Strain if a smooth sauce is desired.
- Spoon raspberry sauce onto the cheesecake filling and swirl gently with a toothpick or knife.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Frozen raspberries work well, just thaw slightly before cooking.
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
