Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars: 6 Steps to Bliss

strawberry lemon cheesecake bars

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars! They’re like a little slice of sunshine on a plate, with a dreamy creamy filling that melts in your mouth and a buttery crust that just hugs it all together. I remember the first time I made these for a summer potluck; I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared! Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and I was so proud to share my little secret. The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try making these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars, you’ll be the star of every gathering. They’re not just a treat; they’re a memory waiting to happen!

Ingredients List

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital

TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass Olive Oil

TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass Olive Oil

LINKChef Food Chopper, 5 Cup Food

LINKChef Food Chopper, 5 Cup Food

KOIOS 5-in-1 Hand Immersion Blender

KOIOS 5-in-1 Hand Immersion Blender

How to Prepare Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cheesecake bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect creamy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix them together until it resembles wet sand. Now, take that mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. You want a nice, even layer that will hold up under the creamy filling!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Add in the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air and gives your bars that light texture. Don’t rush this; it’s worth the extra mixing!

Step 4: Add Flavor

Now, it’s time to bring the magic! Stir in 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to your cream cheese mixture. This is where the flavor really comes alive! Then gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries. You want to make sure every bite has that fruity goodness, so mix it just enough to distribute those strawberries evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour that luscious cream cheese filling over your prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!

Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate

Once baked, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for a bit. Then, transfer them to the fridge and let them chill for at least 4 hours before serving. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together and makes cutting them into neat squares so much easier. Patience pays off, I promise!

Nutritional Information

Before you dive into these delicious strawberry lemon cheesecake bars, here’s a little info on what’s packed inside! Just remember, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is more of a rough guide than exact science.

  • Calories: Approximately 250 per bar
  • Fat: About 12g
  • Protein: Roughly 4g
  • Carbohydrates: Around 32g

These values can help you understand what you’re indulging in, but don’t stress too much about it! Just enjoy every creamy, fruity bite of these bars – you deserve it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation: You’ll be amazed at how fast these bars come together, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings!
  • Refreshing flavors: The combination of strawberries and zesty lemon creates a bright, refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • Perfect for gatherings: These strawberry lemon cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser; they look beautiful on any dessert table and are always a hit!
  • Delightful dessert option: Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, a birthday party, or just enjoying a quiet night at home, these bars are a sweet treat that everyone will love.
  • Easy to customize: Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or try different citrus flavors for a unique twist each time!

Tips for Success

Let’s make these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars absolutely perfect! Here are some tried-and-true tips I swear by:

  • Use room temperature cream cheese: This is key! Starting with cream cheese that’s at room temperature helps it blend smoothly with the sugar, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy texture.
  • Mix thoroughly: When you’re combining ingredients, take your time. Make sure everything is well incorporated, especially when adding the eggs. This helps create that light, airy filling we all love!
  • Don’t overbake: Remember, the bars will continue to set as they cool. Keep an eye on them, and if the edges are firm but the center has a slight jiggle, you’re right on track!
  • Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before refrigerating. This helps with the texture and makes cutting them into perfect squares much easier!
  • Chill before serving: The longer you let them chill, the better the flavors meld together. I know it’s tough to wait, but it’s worth it for that perfect bite!

Follow these tips, and you’ll have strawberry lemon cheesecake bars that will not only impress your friends but will also have them coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

Variations on Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

The beauty of these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars is that they’re so versatile! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, here are some delicious variations to try:

  • Berry Medley: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of your favorite berries, like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each berry brings its own unique flavor, and you can even combine them for a colorful twist!
  • Tropical Twist: Replace the lemon juice with lime juice and add some chopped mango or pineapple for a refreshing tropical vibe that transports you straight to the beach!
  • Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top after they’ve cooled, or fold in some mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combination.
  • Nutty Crust: Instead of a graham cracker crust, try using crushed almonds or pecans mixed with a bit of melted butter for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
  • Different Citrus: Experiment with different citrus flavors! Swap the lemon for orange or grapefruit juice and zest for a unique twist that adds a delightful new flavor profile.
  • Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

These variations can give your strawberry lemon cheesecake bars a whole new personality, so feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. You might just discover a new favorite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about storing those leftover strawberry lemon cheesecake bars (if there are any left, that is!). You’ll want to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their creamy texture and delicious flavor for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you pop them in the fridge; this prevents any condensation from forming and ruining that lovely crust!

If you find yourself with a surplus, you can also freeze these bars! Simply cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat; they’re best served chilled straight from the fridge, letting that refreshing strawberry and lemon flavor shine through!

Share Your Experience

I’d absolutely love to hear how your strawberry lemon cheesecake bars turned out! Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you try out one of the fun variations? Maybe you even added your special twist that made them uniquely yours! Whatever it is, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. It’s always exciting to see how other home cooks interpret my recipes!

If you enjoyed these bars (and I’m sure you will!), consider giving them a rating. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others discover this delightful treat. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures and the smiles these bars brought to your table!

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strawberry lemon cheesecake bars

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars: 6 Steps to Bliss


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Całkowity Czas: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Ustępować: 16 bars 1x
  • Dieta: Wegańskie

Opis

Delicious strawberry lemon cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and buttery crust.


Składniki

Skala
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Instrukcje

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
  4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
  7. Fold in chopped strawberries.
  8. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
  10. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Uwagi

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
  • Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
  • Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
  • Kategoria: Dessert
  • Sposób: Baking
  • Kuchnia: American

Zasilanie

  • Wielkość porcji: 1 bar
  • Kalorie: 250
  • Cukier: 15g
  • Sód: 150mg
  • Kwasy: 12g
  • Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
  • Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
  • Tłuszcze trans: 0g
  • Węglowodany: 32g
  • Włókno: 1g
  • Białko: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Słowa kluczowe: strawberry lemon cheesecake bars

O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.

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