This Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe is sure to brighten your day. It is one of my favorite homemade bars recipes because they are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a creamy texture that'll have you coming back for seconds.
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If you are feeling like something sweet and tangy, you’ve got to try these easy cheesecake bars or our Lemon Blueberry Mini Cheesecake! They’re the ultimate in easy desserts - super creamy, zesty, and perfect for any occasion.
Best Cheesecake Bars
This lemon cheesecake bars recipe will become your new go-to dessert. Whether you're bringing them to a potluck or serving them at a family dinner, they are guaranteed to put smiles on faces.
What makes them so good is the perfect balance of flavors. The lemon works perfectly with the richness of the cheesecake, creating a dessert that's refreshing and indulgent. Plus, the graham cracker crust adds a nice crunch that is the perfect base for the creamy filling.
If you are busy, but still want to make a yummy dessert, these bars are a lifesaver. They're easy to make ahead of time and they store well in the fridge. You can whip them up on the weekend and have a delicious treat ready for the week ahead.
Recipes To Make With Graham Cracker Crumbs
Graham cracker crumbs provide a fun crunch and a touch of sweetness that makes them the perfect base for so many desserts. Whether you're crafting a classic cheesecake, a sweet pie, or even a no-bake dessert, graham cracker crumbs add that irresistible texture and flavor.
Here are some of our favorite ways to use them:
- Easy No Bake Cheesecake Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe
- Lemon Ice Box Pie
- Easy Pink Lemonade Pie Recipe
Ingredients For Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Graham crackers: Forms the base of the crust.
- Butter: Holds the crust together and adds richness.
- Cream cheese: Provides that creamy, tangy base.
- Sugar: Balances out the tartness of the lemon.
- Eggs: Holds everything together and gives the filling structure.
- Lemon juice and zest: Brings the zingy flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the bars.
Recipe For Cheesecake Bars
We're going to start out by making our crust. Crush up the graham crackers until they're fine crumbs, mix in some melted butter, and press this mixture into your baking pan. Pop it in the oven for a quick bake to set it.
While the crust is cooling, you can get the filling prepared. Beat the cream cheese until it's nice and smooth, then add in the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix it all up until it's well combined and creamy. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
Bake the bars until the center is just set, then let them cool completely before refrigerating. Letting the bars cool completely and then chilling in the refrigerator will give them the best texture. Plus, it makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
When the bars have cooled, slice them and serve with whipped cream and slice of lemon if desired. It really makes these lemon bars so pretty!
Tips for Making The Best Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Tip 1: Having all the ingredients at room temperature before you start helps everything mix together smoothly and prevents lumps in the filling.
Tip 2: When you're zesting your lemons, be careful not to get any of the white pith – that's the bitter part. Just stick to the yellow outer layer for the best flavor.
Tip 3: Roll lemons on the counter before juicing. This helps release more juice.
FAQs For Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Storing these lemon cheesecake bars is super easy, which is why they're such a great make-ahead dessert. Once they've cooled completely, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, pop them in the fridge. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the bars. Cut them into individual squares, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container or bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, I recommend using fresh lemons if possible. Fresh lemon juice has a more vibrant flavor that really makes these bars pop. Plus, with fresh lemons, you get the added bonus of the zest, which adds a ton of lemony flavor.
If you do end up using bottled lemon juice, look for one that's 100% pure lemon juice without any added preservatives or sweeteners. We all have days when we need a shortcut, and bottled lemon juice will still give produce a yummy dessert!
Cheesecake Bars
Cheesecake bars are not only easy to whip up, but they also come in a variety of fabulous flavors. Whether you prefer something fruity or chocolatey, there's a cheesecake bar recipe for you.
- Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars
- Oreo Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Lemon Bar Essentials
To make these lemon cheesecake bars, you don't need any fancy equipment. A 8x8 inch baking pan is perfect for this recipe. If you don't have one, you can easily find them on Amazon.
You'll also need a mixer – a hand mixer works great, but if you have a stand mixer, even better. For zesting the lemons, a microplane or fine grater is ideal. And don't forget a good, sharp knife for cutting your bars into perfect squares.
Pyrex Colors (8
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Matte BlackHamilton Beach Professional 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Storage Case, QuickBurst, Stainless Steel Twisted Wire Beaters and Whisk, Mint (62658)Dulcicasa Classic Zester and Grater - Professional Kitchen Lemon Zester for Lime, Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Chocolate, Vegetables, Fruits, Dishwasher Safe (Narrow)Professional Nylon Knife for Nonstick Pans, Kitchen Knife Safe for Kids, Nonstick Knife Heat-resistant Best for Cutting Brownies, Cakes, Bread, Lasagna, Cheese, Pizza, Pie etc.Sanmius Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 27 PCS Premium Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with 3 Grater Attachments & Kitchen Utensils Set - Thick Metal Nesting Bowls for Kitchen, 1/1.5/2.5/3.5/4.5/5.5 Qt
This Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, creamy and crunchy. They're easy enough for beginner but impressive enough to wow your friends and family.
Snack Bar Recipes
📖 Recipe
Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 16 oz cream cheese two 8 oz packages, softened
- 2 eggs large
- 1 ½ tsp. lemon zest
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice fresh
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Optional
- Whipped cream for topping
- Lemon slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of butter in 30-second increments.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar.
- Press this graham cracker mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 inch square pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the crust to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
- Pour this mixture onto the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. For an optional garnish, top with whipped cream and a fresh lemon slice.
Notes
- When you're zesting those lemons, avoid the white pith because it is bitter. Just yellow outer layer for that bright, amazing flavor.
- Give lemons a little roll on the counter before you juice them! This helps squeeze out every last drop of juice, so you get the most zesty goodness in your bars.
Chris says
Had some extra Meyer lemons from our tree and decided to give this recipe a try. It was great! We will definitely be making these lemon bars again.
Vicky says
These lemon cheesecake bars must have been wonderful with fresh Meyer lemons!
Holly says
My dad is a lemon fanatic so I made this recipe for his birthday and it was a huge hit. Easy and so good. Thanks for sharing
Vicky says
So glad to hear these lemon bars made your dad happy!
Paula says
We adored these creamy cheesecake bars! So good!
Vicky says
Thank you! Cheesecake bars are the ultimate treat!
Angela says
Love these lemon cheesecake bars! So easy to make and perfect for the summer!
Vicky says
Thanks Angela! Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the perfect summer dessert!
DK says
I love the lemon tartness of these cheesecake bars! The best part is that you can make these bars as big or as small as you want - so you can always get the perfect portion of these bar that you want!
Vicky says
Yes, if you are trying to practice portion control, you can cut these smaller.