Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars: Easy Bite Size Dessert
User Reviews
5
Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars: Easy Bite Size Dessert
Description
This dessert recipe starts with a graham cracker crust made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter, pressed into a baking pan and baked until golden. The cranberry topping is prepared by boiling fresh cranberries with sugar and water until the berries pop and the mixture thickens, then cooled to room temperature. The cheesecake filling consists of softened cream cheese whipped smooth with powdered sugar, eggs, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. The lemon adds brightness and a subtle tang that complements the cranberries. After pouring the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spreading cooled cranberry sauce on top, the bars are baked to set the cheesecake layer. Once cooled, they are cut into bite-size bars. The combination of flaky crust, creamy cheesecake, and distinct cranberry layer creates contrast in texture and flavor. These bars are suitable for serving at gatherings or as an everyday dessert where a refreshing yet rich treat is desired. The use of fresh lemon and cranberries highlights seasonal ingredients for a bright dessert experience.
Ingredients
Cranberry ingredients:
- 8 ounces cranberries fresh
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
Cheesecake ingredients:
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 2 egg
- ¼ cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 lemon juiced and zested, plural
Crust ingredients:
- 14 graham crackers crushed
- 4 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Before you get started, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 10x7 baking pan with aluminum foil and set aside. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- Crush the graham crackers in a blender or food processor. Melt the butter in the microwave, then pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the graham cracker mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly into the bottom. Once you've done that, bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Next, start preparing the cranberry mixture. Add the cranberries, water, and sugar to a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then cook for 10-15 minutes on a medium-high heat. The cranberries will have popped when done. Then, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Use an electric stand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip the softened cream cheese at a high-medium speed until smooth. Add the powederedsugar, egg, yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix the cream cheese filling until well incorporated.
- Take the crust out of the oven and set aside to cool. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread the cream cheese layer evenly.
- Add spoonfuls of the cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese mixture. Using a butter knife, swirl the cranberry layer on the top of the cheesecake.
- Put it back into the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until firm.
- Cool for 2+ hours before placing in the refrigerator to cool for an additional hour. Cut into even rectangles and decorate with cranberries and pieces of lemon. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 353 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 353kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 270mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 137mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 679IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 66mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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