Description
These Best Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful twist on classic cheesecake with a tangy lemon swirl set atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfectly creamy and bursting with citrus flavor, they make an elegant yet easy dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Batter:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Lemon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream until fully combined.
- Construct the Bars: Pour about two-thirds of the plain cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out evenly. Mix the lemon juice and lemon zest into the remaining batter to infuse that vibrant citrus flavor and dollop this lemon batter in blobs over the plain layer.
- Create the Marble Effect: Using a knife, gently swirl the lemon batter into the plain batter to create a beautiful marbled pattern across the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bars are set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the middle. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Serve: After cooling, refrigerate the bars to chill thoroughly for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy your luscious lemon marbled cheesecake bars chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not overbake, as the bars should be set but slightly jiggly in the center to maintain creaminess.
- Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cheesecake bars, lemon marbled cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, lemon dessert, creamy cheesecake bars
