Delicate, tangy, and visually stunning, these Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars are a dream dessert. Perfect for springtime gatherings, holiday tables, or simply indulging yourself, these bars offer a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon swirl. Here’s how you can create this elegant dessert in just a few steps!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 🥄
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 🧂
- ⅓ cup melted butter 🧈
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened 🧀
- ¾ cup granulated sugar 🧂
- 3 large eggs 🥚
- 2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tbsp lemon zest 🍋
- Yellow food coloring (optional) 🌈
For the Lemon Swirl:
- ½ cup lemon curd 🍋
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang for easy removal later. 🧑🍳
2️⃣ Make the Crust:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Stir until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling. 🍪
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest for a bright, zesty flavor. 🍋🧀
4️⃣ Optional Coloring:
- For a vibrant yellow hue, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the cheesecake mixture and mix until the color is uniform. 🌈
5️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecake Layer:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer. 🍥
6️⃣ Add the Lemon Swirl:
- Drop small spoonfuls of lemon curd evenly across the surface of the cheesecake layer.
- Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the curd into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect. 🌀
7️⃣ Bake:
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. ⏳
8️⃣ Cool and Chill:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for an hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set. ❄️
9️⃣ Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice into bars, serve, and enjoy the creamy, zesty perfection! 🍋🍰
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Swirl Technique: For clean swirls, avoid overmixing the lemon curd into the cheesecake batter. A few gentle strokes are all you need!
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
FAQs About Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars
Q: Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought lemon curd works perfectly. Homemade is great too if you have the time.
Q: What if I don’t have a 9×9 pan?
You can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers, and you’re good to go.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
These Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars are a true treat for the senses. The rich cream cheese layer paired with a bright lemon swirl makes them irresistible. Perfect for any occasion or as a refreshing dessert on a warm day, these bars will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Try them out and let us know how they turned out for you! 🍋🍰