Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted strawberry lemon cheesecake bars? They’re like a little slice of summer sunshine! The creamy, smooth cheesecake filling paired with the tartness of fresh lemons and the sweetness of strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. I remember the first time I made these for a family picnic. Everyone raved about how refreshing they were! The combination of the crumbly crust and the velvety filling had us all going back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Trust me, these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars are a must-try for your next gathering!
Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful strawberry lemon cheesecake bars! You’ll want 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs for that buttery base, and don’t forget 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted, to help bind everything together. For sweetness, we’ll add 1/4 cup of sugar. Now, for the creamy filling, grab 2 packages (8 oz each) of softened cream cheese—this is key for that smooth texture! You’ll also need 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs to create the perfect consistency. Don’t skimp on the flavor! Add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to brighten things up. Finally, toss in 1 cup of fresh strawberries, chopped, for that burst of fruity goodness. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious strawberry lemon cheesecake bars! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is super important to ensure even baking, so don’t skip this step!
Next, in a medium bowl, mix the 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with the melted 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of sugar until it resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan. This will form our delicious crust!
Now, let’s work on that creamy filling. In another large bowl, beat the 2 packages of softened cream cheese with a mixer until it’s super smooth—this should take about 2 minutes. Then, gradually add in the 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Next, add the 2 large eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps our bars nice and fluffy! Then, gently fold in the chopped strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour this luscious mixture over the crust in your pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Once done, let them cool to room temperature. Patience is key here—pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars! Here are just a few:
- Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- The vibrant flavors of sweet strawberries and zesty lemons create a refreshing treat.
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in—you’ll impress everyone!
- They offer a satisfying dessert experience without being overly heavy.
- These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them a hassle-free option for dessert.
Tips for Success
To make sure your strawberry lemon cheesecake bars turn out perfectly, here are some of my go-to tips! First, always use room temperature cream cheese; it mixes in smoothly and avoids lumps. If you don’t have graham crackers, feel free to substitute with digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor. Make sure to fold in the strawberries gently; you want them evenly distributed without breaking them down too much! And here’s a crucial tip: let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps them set up nicely. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your strawberry lemon cheesecake bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long! If you need to freeze them, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are best served chilled, perfect for a refreshing treat anytime!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. For one delightful serving of these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars, you can expect about 250 calories, with 15g of sugar, 12g of fat, and 4g of protein. Keep in mind that they’re a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making these strawberry lemon cheesecake bars:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter. This will prevent excess moisture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set and a slight jiggle in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They’re perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to slice them?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. This keeps those edges looking nice and neat!
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can try using mascarpone for a different flavor, but it might change the texture a bit. Just keep an eye on the mixing!
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars: 5 Irresistible Reasons
- Temps Total: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Rendement: 16 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious strawberry lemon cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and a crumbly crust.
Ingrédients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mix until combined.
- Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Pour the mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: strawberry lemon cheesecake bars
