Description
These Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, zesty dessert made with a graham cracker crust and tangy lemon-infused cheesecake filling. A perfect lemon dessert recipe for spring and summer, great for gatherings or make-ahead treats. Keywords: lemon cheesecake bars, lemon dessert, easy cheesecake bars, lemon cream cheese bars.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang on the sides.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Mix gently until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top. Tap gently to release any air bubbles.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Lift the bars out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve chilled.
Notes
Let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid cracking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg