Description
Make this refreshing, no-bake dessert featuring a creamy lemon cheesecake layer swirled with sweet strawberries, set in a crisp crust, and broken into easy-to-serve pieces.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced or pureed
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for strawberries)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- If using sliced strawberries, arrange them on top of the filling. If using pureed strawberries, mix the puree with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, then drizzle or swirl it over the cream cheese layer using a knife or skewer.
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or until the bark is completely firm.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bark from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and break it into irregular pieces or cut it into squares. Serve cold.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use freeze-dried strawberries crushed into a powder and mixed into the swirl.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, you can bake the crust layer for 8 minutes at 350°F and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
- This dessert keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 35