Description

These Best Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with a bright and tangy lemon swirl, baked on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly balanced and beautifully marbled, these bars make for a delightful dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sour cream

For the Lemon Swirl:

1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream until combined and smooth.
Assemble the Bars: Pour about two-thirds of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. To the remaining batter, add the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing gently to combine. Dollop this lemon mixture over the plain cheesecake layer.
Create the Marbled Effect: Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the lemon batter into the plain batter, creating a beautiful marbled pattern without overmixing.
Bake and Cool: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheesecake bars are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into bars.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this helps achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor and brightness.
Do not over-swirl the batter; you want a marbled look, not a fully blended lemon flavor.
Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for a firmer set before serving if desired.
Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cheesecake bars, marbled cheesecake, lemon dessert bars, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake recipe