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Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars

These bars feature a silky cheesecake filling punctuated by vivid lemon ribbons, all set on a buttery graham crust for a delightful dessert experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.33 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened Each package is 8 oz.
  • 0.67 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.25 cups lemon juice
  • 0.25 cups lemon curd

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake crust for 10 minutes, and then let cool slightly.
Filling and Baking
  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
  2. Stir in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is creamy.
  3. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth it evenly.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of lemon curd over the filling and gently swirl using a toothpick or knife.
  5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
  6. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

For garnishing, serve chilled bars with a thin strip of lemon zest, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.