Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars

Name: Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup lemon juice; 1 cup fresh raspberries; Additional raspberries for garnish; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

I love experimenting with flavors that brighten up my dessert table, and these Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars are a perfect example. The combination of tangy lemon with sweet raspberries creates a refreshing treat that's perfect for warm days. I appreciate how the buttery crust complements the creamy filling, making each bite a delightful balance of textures and tastes. If you're looking for a dessert that captures summer in every bite, then these bars are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:49:27.411Z

During one of my summer baking days, I decided to fuse two classic flavors: raspberry and lemonade. The result was these irresistible cheesecake bars that hit the spot. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the raspberries stood up against the tartness of the lemon, creating a balanced flavor profile that was both refreshing and indulgent.

One tip I learned while testing this recipe was to ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This simple step prevents lumps in your filling, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture that makes these bars truly special. Trust me, this small detail elevates the entire dessert!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        A perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors
Creamy cheesecake filling with a fruity twist
Easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings

      

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The key to getting that creamy texture in the cheesecake filling lies in properly softening the cream cheese. I recommend taking it out of the fridge about an hour before you start. If it's too cold, you won’t be able to achieve that smooth, lump-free mixture, which is crucial for the overall texture of your bars. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed helps to incorporate air, giving your bars a lightness that beautifully contrasts with the buttery crust.

Be cautious while folding in the raspberries. You want to incorporate them just enough to distribute their flavor without fully breaking them down. Overmixing can lead to a pink filling that lacks the beautiful swirls and whole berry pieces that make these bars visually appealing. A gentle folding motion is all it takes to keep a delightful mix of creamy and fruity textures in each bite.

Storing and Serving Tips

For best results, refrigerate these Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time helps the filling to set fully, making the bars easier to slice and enhancing the flavors as they meld together. If you're making these in advance, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just ensure they're covered to prevent drying out.

If you're planning to serve these bars at a gathering, consider adding a touch of zest to the topping for some extra zing. A sprinkle of lemon zest over the fresh raspberries can brighten the presentation and flavor, making it a more striking dessert. For those who enjoy a little extra sweetness, serve the bars with a side of whipped cream or a fruity sauce drizzled over the top.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make delicious Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars:

For the crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup sugar

For the filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
½ cup lemon juice
1 cup fresh raspberries

For the topping

Additional raspberries for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Make the crust

In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Bake the crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool slightly.

Prepare the filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and lemon juice, blending until everything is combined.

Fold in raspberries

Gently fold in the fresh raspberries into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to break them too much.

Bake the filling

Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles.

Cool and serve

Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve chilled, garnished with additional raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy your homemade Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars!

Pro Tips

For a smoother filling, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Experiment with different berries for unique flavors!

Ingredient Insights

While graham crackers are the traditional choice for the crust, you can easily substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gluten-free cookies if you need a gluten-free option. Each alternative will slightly alter the flavor and texture, giving you room to experiment based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Sour cream plays a crucial role in providing creaminess and tang to the cheesecake filling. If you want a lighter option, you could swap it out for Greek yogurt, which still adds a nice tangy flavor while cutting down on fat. Just ensure to select plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results.

Variations and Customization

These cheesecake bars are a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to swap raspberries for other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Each would impart a different flavor profile but will work beautifully with the lemon. Just remember that each type of berry has its own sweetness level, so adjust sugar accordingly if needed.

If you want to make these bars even more lemony, consider adding some lemon zest to the filling. This not only amplifies the citrus flavor but also adds a beautiful visually appealing texture to the filling. A tablespoon of zest should do the trick without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

→ Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well before freezing.