Description
Bright, creamy, and bursting with citrus, these *Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars* are the perfect blend of tangy lemon and rich cheesecake on a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy recipe is ideal for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or simply when you’re craving a refreshing treat. With its cheerful swirl design and vibrant flavor, this dessert is both stunning and simple to make. A fantastic choice for anyone looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner desserts, or sweet food ideas for parties. This easy recipe fits beautifully into your collection of make-ahead treats and healthy-ish snacks!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
A few drops yellow gel food coloring (optional)
2 tbsp lemon curd
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
3. Beat softened cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, flour, vanilla, and salt until creamy.
4. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top.
5. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, condensed milk, and food coloring. Spoon over cheesecake batter.
6. Drop lemon curd on top and swirl gently with a toothpick.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until center is set. Cool for 1 hour, then chill at least 4 hours.
8. Lift out and slice into bars. Serve chilled.
Notes
Use a hot knife for clean slices.
Don’t over-swirl the lemon layer to keep the design clean.
Always use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg