Oh friend, if sunshine had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, they’re the perfect mix of tart lemon and sweet strawberries swirled into a luscious cheesecake filling—all sitting on a buttery crust that’ll make your knees weak.
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They’re the kind of dessert that feels like a little celebration, whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet afternoon or sharing them at a picnic with your favorite people. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Just one bite in, and you’ll be hooked on that tangy-sweet combo with a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for spring brunches, baby showers, or just a cozy afternoon treat. These bars are light and fresh—ideal for warmer weather and sunny moods.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy tools or exotic ingredients to whip up something that feels bakery-worthy.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps and a no-fuss method make this recipe a breeze. If you can stir and pour, you can totally make these bars.
Customizable: Want it extra lemony? Add more zest. Prefer raspberries or blueberries? Go for it! This recipe is your canvas for fruity fun.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, creamy, and just tart enough—everyone from kiddos to grandparents will be going back for seconds.
Ingredients in Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Here’s the magic of these bars—it’s made with a few simple ingredients, but every bite delivers bold, fresh flavor. Let’s break it down:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base that brings that warm, toasty crunch. It’s the golden foundation for all that creamy goodness on top.
Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor. Melted and mixed in for that perfect slightly crisp bottom.
Cream Cheese: Silky, rich, and smooth—this is what gives your bars that classic cheesecake texture. Room temperature cream cheese blends like a dream.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tang from the lemons and strawberries.
Eggs: The secret to that velvety texture. They hold everything together while keeping it wonderfully tender.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds that punchy brightness. Think of it as sunshine in citrus form.
Vanilla Extract: A warm background note that ties everything together.
Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart—they swirl into the batter like edible artwork.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch to help the bars set perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This ensures even baking and gives your cheesecake bars that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture is like damp sand. For the filling, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, eggs, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Blend until silky.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This helps with clean-up and makes removing the bars so easy.
Assemble the Dish: Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the dish and pack it down firmly. Pour the cheesecake filling over it. Dot the top with strawberry puree or mashed strawberries and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Don’t overbake—it’ll finish setting as it cools.
Finishing Touches: Let it cool completely at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing. This gives it time to firm up and develop full flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, fruity bliss in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
These bars are delightful on their own, but here’s how to elevate them even further:
Fresh Berries: Top each bar with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
Mint Leaves: For a little extra flair and freshness, add a mint sprig on top.
Plated Elegantly: Serve on a white plate with a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a picture-perfect presentation.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: These bars are great for making the night before. They actually taste better after chilling overnight!
Use a Water Bath (Optional): For extra smooth texture, bake the dish in a water bath to prevent cracks.
Strawberry Options: You can use strawberry jam in place of fresh strawberries for a shortcut swirl.
Chill Time: Be patient with chilling—it’s what transforms the texture from good to heavenly.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A1: Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Be sure to still use fresh zest!
Q2: Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
A2: Absolutely! Try raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries. Just make sure to puree or mash them first.
Q3: Can I make this crust gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the base.
Q4: How do I get clean slices?
A4: Chill the bars completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Q5: Can I freeze these bars?
A5: Yes! Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge.
Q6: Do I have to use parchment paper?
A6: It helps a lot with lifting the bars out cleanly, but greasing the dish well can also work.
Q7: What if I don’t have a mixer?
A7: No problem! Just use a whisk and mix thoroughly—just be sure the cream cheese is fully softened.
Q8: Can I make these into mini cheesecakes?
A8: Totally! Use a muffin tin with liners and reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes.
Q9: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A9: The center should jiggle slightly when you shake the pan gently—like set Jell-O.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Use a 9×13 pan and bake a little longer, around 45–50 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars that are bright, creamy, and downright dreamy. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet treat just for you, these bars are sure to bring a little burst of sunshine to your day. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl and a handful of strawberries—your taste buds are in for a treat.
Print
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon, and sweet strawberry preserves, all sitting on a buttery, crumbly crust. They’re an irresistible dessert for any occasion, with a refreshing, fruity twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest, divided
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup strawberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of lemon zest. Add the cold butter pieces and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the dough mixture into the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the remaining lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Smooth it out evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves over the cream cheese layer, then use a knife or skewer to swirl the preserves into the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
- Once chilled, slice into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother swirl, gently heat the strawberry preserves before dropping it onto the cheesecake filling.
- These bars can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
- For added texture, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers or nuts over the crust before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg