Description
These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars feature a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer with a sweet strawberry topping, set on a buttery graham cracker crust. A perfect summer dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- For the strawberry topping, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using) in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the strawberry topping over the bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a smoother topping, blend the strawberries before cooking to make a strawberry sauce.
- These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge for better flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesecake bars, strawberry lemon dessert, summer cheesecake, creamy cheesecake bars, strawberry topping