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slices of raspberry lemonade cheesecake bars with a few fresh raspberries and slices of lemon nearby.
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Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars are like biting into sunshine! A buttery, crisp graham cracker base topped with a zesty lemon cheesecake and vibrant raspberry swirl. As pretty as they are delicious, these bars are perfectly tart, sweet, and full of summertime flavors.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Inactive Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings 16 squares
Author Tessa Arias

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 9 whole (138 grams) graham crackers
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

For the raspberry swirl:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) raspberries, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar

For the cheesecake:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) full-fat cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, from about 2 large lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Make the crust:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch light-colored metal baking pan with foil or parchment, leaving an overhang.
  • In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. You should have about 1 cup crumbs.
  • Add the melted butter and pulse until moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and fragrant. Let cool.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Make the raspberry puree:

  • In a food processor or blender, puree the raspberries until smooth. Use a spatula to press through a fine mesh strainer, discarding any seeds and pulp that remain. Scrape the underside of the strainer to get the maximum amount of puree. Stir in the sugar. Puree will have a thin consistency. Set aside.

Make the cheesecake:

  • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy, for at least 1 minute. Add in the sugar and beat until totally combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. On medium-low speed, beat in the lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, and salt until just combined.
  • Spread the mixture over the crust. Tap the cheesecake against the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
  • Dollop the batter with spoonfuls of the raspberry puree. Use a knife or skewer to make swirls.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until just set at the edges but ever so slightly jiggly in the middle, before turning off the oven and cracking open the oven door for 10 minutes. Remove from oven to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Before serving, use the foil or parchment to remove the cheesecake from the pan and onto a work surface. Cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled.

Video

Notes

To double this recipe, double all ingredients and bake in a 9 by 13-inch light-colored metal baking pan, adding about 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.