Strawberry Cheesecake Lemon Bars

If you're looking for a sweet and tangy treat to satisfy your dessert cravings, look no further than these Strawberry Cheesecake Lemon Bars. With a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a burst of fresh strawberries and lemon on top, these bars are the perfect combination of flavors. They are easy to make and are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy them on a warm summer day or serve them at your next potluck or family gathering. You won't be able to resist going back for seconds!

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• For the cheesecake layer:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• For the strawberry lemon topping:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Additional fresh strawberries for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar for the crust.
3. Add in the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
6. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, and water.
9. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and let the strawberry lemon topping cool for a few minutes.
11. Pour the cooled strawberry lemon topping over the cheesecake layer and spread it out evenly.
12. If desired, garnish with additional fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color.
13. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the bars are set.
14. Once chilled, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper or foil overhang and cut into squares.
15. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Interesting Facts