Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and refreshing treat that combines the tangy flavor of lemons with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet treat, or wanting to try a new dessert recipe, Lemon Cheesecake Bars are an excellent choice. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these delectable bars in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Bars
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Lemon Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For Garnish (optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to press the crust down evenly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Topping
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined.
- Add the lemon juice, all-purpose flour, and lemon zest, whisking until smooth and well mixed.
- Pour the lemon topping over the cooled cheesecake layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon topping is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the Lemon Cheesecake Bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking pan.
- Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
- If desired, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.
- Serve the bars chilled and enjoy their refreshing, tangy, and creamy flavors!
About the Main Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crumbs
Graham cracker crumbs form the base of the crust for these Lemon Cheesecake Bars. They provide a slightly sweet and crunchy foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon topping. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or another type of sweet crumbly cookie.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the star of the cheesecake layer, offering a rich and creamy texture. It’s important to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results. Be sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing to ensure a smooth and lump-free cheesecake batter.
Lemons
Lemons are the key ingredient that gives these bars their refreshing and tangy flavor. Both the juice and zest of lemons are used in the recipe to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh lemons are recommended for the best taste, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Eggs
Eggs help to bind the cheesecake and lemon layers together, providing structure and stability. They also contribute to the creamy texture of the cheesecake layer and the custard-like consistency of the lemon topping.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten both the crust and the filling layers. The sugar balances the tartness of the lemons, creating a perfect harmony of flavors in each bite.
Butter
Melted unsalted butter is used to bind the graham cracker crumbs together for the crust. It also adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients.
By following this detailed guide, you can create delightful Lemon Cheesecake Bars that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy these delicious treats as a refreshing dessert or a sweet snack any time of the year!
