Description
These Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The velvety cheesecake layer swirled with vibrant lemon curd creates a gorgeous marbled effect, making this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or an elegant tea-time treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
For the lemon curd swirl:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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Prepare the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to help.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
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Make the cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
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Assemble the cheesecake bars:
- Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Spoon small dollops of the lemon curd on top of the cheesecake layer, spacing them out evenly.
- Use a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the lemon curd into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature in the pan.
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Chill:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set completely.
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Slice and serve:
- Lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, lemon zest, or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Homemade lemon curd: If you want to make your own lemon curd, whisk together 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 large egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons butter over low heat until thickened.
- Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Swirling tips: Use a light hand when swirling the lemon curd to create elegant, defined swirls without blending too much into the cheesecake.