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Swirl Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake bars swirled with tangy lemon curd over a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Spring
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
Swirl
  • 0.5 cup lemon curd

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 8 minutes.
  3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until combined.
  4. Pour cheesecake filling over crust. Add dollops of lemon curd and swirl with a knife.
  5. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool completely, then refrigerate 3 hours.
  6. Slice into bars and garnish with lemon zest or whipped cream.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best results. Chill fully before slicing.