Description
Delightful Springtime Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake layer, tangy lemon curd, and fresh strawberry topping.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 oz (450g) cream cheese softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar for the crust. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In another bowl, blend softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 20 minutes until set. Let it cool to room temperature.
- For the lemon curd layer, whisk lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
- Spread the lemon curd evenly over the cheesecake layer and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- To prepare the strawberry topping, toss diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them macerate for 10 minutes.
- For the cornstarch slurry, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then cook in a saucepan over medium heat with the macerated strawberries until thickened.
- Once the strawberry topping cools, spread it over the lemon curd layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
For an extra touch, serve with whipped cream on top! Be sure to refrigerate the bars for adequate setting time.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Springtime Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake, strawberry dessert, lemon dessert, spring dessert