Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the Crust:
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Flour:
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and flour, mixing until well combined.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
- Add Cream and Sour Cream:
- Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
- Incorporate Lemon:
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
- Pour Filling:
- Pour the lemon cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add Lemon Swirl:
- Drop spoonfuls of lemon curd over the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the lemon curd into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool and Chill:
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Serve
- Cut and Serve:
- Once chilled and set, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Lemon Curd: Use high-quality store-bought lemon curd or homemade for the best flavor. If using homemade, let it cool to room temperature before using.
- Avoid Cracking: To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it in a water bath (place the pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water) and avoid overmixing the batter.
Conclusion
Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon flavor in a beautifully marbled presentation. These bars are perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a sophisticated treat. With their vibrant lemon taste and smooth texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy these elegant bars as a refreshing and indulgent end to any meal!