These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing, creamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet strawberry swirls. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light dessert, these bars offer the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Each bite delivers a silky, citrus-infused cheesecake with a crunchy crust, making this an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Creamy cheesecake with a tangy lemon twist
✔ Sweet strawberry swirls for a fruity touch
✔ Buttery graham cracker crust for a perfect crunch
✔ Easy to make and perfect for any occasion
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
For the Strawberry Swirl:
½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries (pureed)
1 tbsp sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
3. Create the Strawberry Swirl
Blend strawberries and sugar into a smooth puree. Drizzle over the cheesecake layer and use a toothpick or knife to create swirls.
4. Bake and Chill
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
5. Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and serve chilled. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh strawberries if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a drizzle of honey or caramel
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee
Top with whipped cream and extra lemon zest
Tips for the Best Cheesecake Bars
✅ Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
✅ Don’t overmix the batter to prevent cracking
✅ Let the bars chill completely before slicing
✅ Swirl the strawberry puree gently for a pretty design
Variations to Try
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars – Swap strawberries for blueberries
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars – Use raspberry puree instead
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free graham crackers
Extra Tart Flavor – Add 1 extra tbsp of lemon juice
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw before serving
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a bright, refreshing, and creamy dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you make them for a special occasion or a simple treat, they’re sure to be a favorite.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of citrus and berry goodness!