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Lemon Cheesecake Bars with Raspberry Swirl

A creamy lemon cheesecake with a vibrant raspberry swirl on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for a refreshing dessert bar.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raspberry preserves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  6. Pour cheesecake batter over the crust in the pan.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry preserves over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the preserves into the cheesecake batter gently.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
  9. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
  10. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright flavor. Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly to achieve clean slices. Raspberry preserves can be substituted with fresh raspberries for a chunkier texture.

  • Author: Sophie Lane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg