Description
These Best Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful balance of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon flavor. The smooth texture melts in your mouth, while the bright citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast that makes each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
- Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Lemon Swirl:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the lemon swirl. Drizzle this mixture over the cheesecake filling.
- Using a knife, gently swirl the lemon mixture into the cheesecake filling to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The top should be lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Make-ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 2x2 inches)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
Keywords: Best Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars, lemon cheesecake, dessert bars, creamy cheesecake, citrus dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, marbled cheesecake, lemon dessert, summer dessert, homemade cheesecake, sweet and tangy, baking recipes, vegetarian dessert