Zingy Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars Recipe

Crisp lemon zest mingles with velvety raspberry swirls in these decadent cheesecake crunch bars that promise pure dessert magic.

Sweet layers of creamy goodness await your taste buds.

Buttery graham cracker base provides a satisfying crackle beneath smooth cheesecake textures.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside tart berry hints, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

Elegant yet simple, these bars deliver restaurant-quality dessert without complicated techniques.

Homemade treats always spark joy when shared with people you love.

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars That Steal The Show

• Crack the Crunch Code: These bars deliver an irresistible texture combination with graham cracker base, creamy cheesecake middle, and crispy crumb topping that makes every bite exciting.
• Master a Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties where guests crave something sweet yet sophisticated with bright fruit and tangy lemon notes.
• Simplify Dessert Prep: Requires basic baking skills and common ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels who want a show-stopping treat without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping raspberries with other berries or adding extra zest for personal flavor twists that keep the dessert feeling fresh and personal.

Must-Have Ingredients For Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base layer that provides a classic, sweet foundation for the bars.
• Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy cheesecake base that gives the bars their creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake layer.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bring a bright, citrusy tang to the dessert.
• Raspberry Preserves: Adds a sweet and fruity layer with vibrant color.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Cold Butter: Work together to create a crunchy, sweet topping with a delightful texture.

How To Whip Up Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and give your 9×13-inch baking pan a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid foundation for your delicious bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and dreamy. Make sure there are no lumps for a perfect texture.

Step 4: Blend in the Flavor Boosters

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Beat everything until it’s beautifully combined and silky.

Step 5: Splash of Raspberry Goodness

Spread raspberry preserves (or freshly mashed raspberries) evenly across the cream cheese layer, creating a vibrant fruity landscape.

Step 6: Craft the Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cold cubed butter

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a delightfully crumbly mixture that will add texture to your bars.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Topping

Scatter the crumb mixture evenly over the raspberry layer, ensuring every bite will have that perfect crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden color and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Insider Tips For Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars

• Opt for fresh raspberries when possible to enhance the vibrant fruity flavor and natural sweetness of the bars.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent crumbling.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and effortless cleanup after baking.
• Experiment with different preserves like strawberry or blueberry for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch and added sweetness.

Fun Flavors To Try With Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars

• Tropical Paradise Bars: Replace lemon with lime zest and juice, swap raspberries for diced mango, and add shredded coconut to the crumb topping for a vibrant island-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Berry Bliss: Mix cocoa powder into the crust, use dark chocolate chips in the cream cheese layer, and top with a mix of blueberries and blackberries for a rich, decadent version.
• Autumn Spice Bars: Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture, use apple butter instead of raspberry preserves, and add chopped pecans to the crumb topping for a cozy fall treat.

Perfect Pairings For Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars

• Pair with Vibrant Moscato: A sweet, light white wine complements the tangy lemon and rich cream cheese, enhancing the dessert's fruity raspberry notes.
• Refresh with Lavender Lemonade: Create a non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the lemon zest in the bars, offering a cool and aromatic counterpoint to the creamy dessert.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth ice cream balances the crunch of the streusel topping and provides a delightful temperature contrast to the room-temperature bars.
• Match with Chamomile Tea: The delicate, floral tea softens the richness of the cheesecake while highlighting the subtle raspberry and lemon flavors.

Keep Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars Fresh And Delicious

• Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Layer bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften.
• Warm individual bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, warm in oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to maintain texture and prevent drying out.

Answers To Your Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars Questions

• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of preserves?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen raspberries first to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

• How do I know if the cheesecake layer is fully baked?

The edges will be slightly set, and the center will have a slight jiggle but not be liquid when gently shaken.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour to create a gluten-free version.

• What's the best way to get clean cuts for the bars?

Chill the bars completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Crunch Bars blend creamy cheesecake with zesty citrus and fruity raspberry. Crisp graham cracker layers and smooth filling promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 1/2 cups cream cheese (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup raspberry preserves (or fresh raspberries, lightly mashed)

Crust and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed)

Flavor and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly compress into an even base layer across the pan.
3. Whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly until integrated.
5. Distribute raspberry preserves uniformly across the cream cheese surface, creating a vibrant fruity layer.
6. Craft a crumbly topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and chilled butter cubes, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to create irregular, sandy texture.
7. Delicately scatter the crumb mixture over the raspberry layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden brown and a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
9. Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into elegant rectangular bars.

Notes

• Crumb Topping Technique: Freeze butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting into cubes to achieve a perfectly flaky, crisp texture that elevates the bar’s overall crunch.
• Temperature Precision: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Raspberry Swap: Experiment with other fruit preserves like blueberry or strawberry for diverse flavor variations that complement the tangy lemon base.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg