Description
Lemon marbled cheesecake bars dance with zesty citrus notes through creamy swirled layers. Silky textures and balanced sweetness invite simple pleasure, beckoning you to savor each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) lemon curd, store-bought or homemade
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
- Craft Base: Pulverize graham crackers and merge with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture uniformly into a lined baking pan, creating a compact foundation. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden, establishing a crisp, sturdy platform for the cheesecake.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Whisk cream cheese until velvety smooth. Introduce eggs systematically, blending thoroughly after each addition. Gently incorporate vanilla and sour cream, maintaining a luxurious, silken consistency without overmixing.
- Create Marbled Effect: Pour cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base. Drizzle lemon curd across the surface in graceful, zigzag patterns. Use a toothpick to weave intricate swirls, integrating the citrus essence through the creamy landscape without disrupting the underlying structure.
- Bake and Set: Transfer to a preheated 325°F oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until edges become firm and center maintains a subtle tremor. The ideal texture should resemble a delicate custard – set yet slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill and Finalize: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours. This resting period allows flavors to harmonize and texture to stabilize, transforming the dessert into a cohesive, refined delicacy.
- Serve with Elegance: Remove from pan using parchment paper handles. Slice into precise bars with a knife warmed under hot water. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh lemon zest for a sophisticated presentation that elevates the visual appeal.
Notes
- Achieve Smooth Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to prevent lumps and create a silky texture.
- Master the Marbling Technique: Drizzle lemon curd sparingly and use a toothpick or skewer with light, swift movements to create delicate swirls without overmixing.
- Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Bake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create moisture and prevent surface cracks during baking.
- Perfect Cutting Method: Wipe the knife with hot water between each cut and clean the blade to ensure crisp, clean slices that showcase the beautiful marbled pattern.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 226 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 79 mg