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Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
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Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect balance of bright citrus and fresh strawberry flavors combined with a creamy cheesecake layer on a buttery crust. Easy to make and deliciously versatile, these bars are ideal for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Fruit

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan to form a firm crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until the mixture is silky and well blended.
  3. Add the Strawberries: Gently fold diced fresh strawberries into the cheesecake mixture or layer them on top, according to your preference. This adds natural juiciness and vibrant color to the bars.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Pour the cheesecake and strawberry mixture over the baked crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy consistency without cracks.
  5. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up, making slicing clean and easy.

Notes

  • Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for smoother mixing and to avoid lumps.
  • Choose the juiciest and freshest strawberries for the best flavor and color.
  • Do not overbake; remove from the oven when the center is slightly wobbly to prevent dryness.
  • Chill the bars thoroughly for best texture and clean slicing.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for neat slices without crumbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry lemon cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, lemon dessert, strawberry dessert, easy cheesecake, creamy dessert, summer dessert

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/strawberry-lemon-cheesecake-bars/