Raspberry Lemon Vanilla Wafer Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake bars featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet raspberry preserves. The combination of bright citrus and berry flavors creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart. These bars are ideal for potluck gatherings, summer picnics, or whenever you want an elegant dessert that's easier than traditional cheesecake. The vanilla wafer crust sets this version apart from typical graham cracker bases, adding extra vanilla flavor and a unique texture that complements the smooth filling.
Ingredients
- 50 vanilla wafers, crushed into fine crumbsgraham crackers1:1gluten-free
use gluten-free crackers
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 lemon, zested
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅝ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup raspberry fruit preserves
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and spray 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray
- 2
Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, salt and lemon zest in medium bowl
- 3
Pour melted butter over crumb mixture and stir until moistened like damp sand
- 4
Press crust mixture evenly into prepared pan about 1/4 inch thick
- 5
Bake crust for 12 minutes then remove to cool slightly
- 6
Beat cream cheese until smooth with no lumps remaining
- 7
Add sugar and beat until completely incorporated, scraping bowl as needed
- 8
Beat in sour cream, eggs, vanilla and lemon juice until batter is smooth
- 9
Spread raspberry preserves evenly over cooled crust
- 10
Pour cream cheese filling over preserves and smooth top
- 11
Bake 18-20 minutes until edges set and turn slightly brown
- 12
Cool completely on baking rack then refrigerate for 30 minutes
- 13
Cut into squares before serving
Tips
Press crust gently to avoid mashing - it should feel like damp sand and form a solid 1/4 inch layer
Don't overbake the filling - edges should just begin to set while center remains slightly wobbly
Let bars cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming under plastic wrap
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days
Can be made 2 days ahead - cover and refrigerate
Serve chilled, cut into squares with clean knife
Common Mistakes
Use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumps
Don't overmix filling to prevent cracks
Cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
different berry flavor
FAQ
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of preserves?
Fresh or frozen raspberries won't provide the same consistency. The preserves create a stable layer that won't make the crust soggy and provides the right sweetness balance.
What if my cream cheese has lumps?
Make sure cream cheese is truly at room temperature before mixing. Beat it alone first until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. Strain if necessary.
How long do these bars keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars actually improve after a day as flavors meld together and texture firms up.