Oh my goodness, if you love a dessert that’s bright, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy, you’re going to adore these lemon cheesecake bars! Seriously, they’re like a burst of sunshine in every bite. The buttery graham cracker crust perfectly complements the smooth, velvety cream cheese filling, and that zing from the fresh lemon juice? Wow! It’s just the magic touch that makes these bars unforgettable. I’ve been whipping up these lemon cheesecake bars for family gatherings and they always disappear in no time. My favorite part is how simple they are to make, yet they taste so elegant! Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for any occasion—it’s that good!
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Before we dive into the delightful process of making these lemon cheesecake bars, let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready makes the whole experience so much smoother and more enjoyable!
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to use fresh lemons for that vibrant flavor—it’s totally worth it! Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get ready to create some deliciousness!
How to Prepare Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and make these lemon cheesecake bars happen! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a delicious treat that will impress everyone. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! A hot oven is key to perfecting those cheesecake bars.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is well blended and resembles wet sand.
- Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan (an 8×8 inch works wonderfully) to form a solid crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to really pack it down.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You want to get rid of any lumps here—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Next, add the powdered sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and you can’t see any streaks. This is where the magic really happens!
- Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Once done, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for the flavors to meld perfectly.
And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from slicing into these creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake bars. How easy was that?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any skill level.
- Delightfully creamy with a refreshing tang from the lemon.
- Ideal for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free dessert option.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Tips for Success with Lemon Cheesecake Bars
To make sure your lemon cheesecake bars turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some pro tips just for you! First off, always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. When it comes to the cream cheese, make sure it’s really softened to room temperature; this helps create that smooth, creamy texture we all love. Also, don’t rush the cooling process! Letting them chill in the fridge for at least two hours (or even overnight, if you can wait!) allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing much easier.
And here’s a little serving tip: I love to garnish these bars with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a dollop of whipped cream for some added flair. It’s all about that presentation, right? Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information for Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delicious lemon cheesecake bars! Each bar is estimated to have around 250 calories, with 14 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 29 grams of carbohydrates, including 18 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and you’ll be just fine!
FAQ Section about Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Can I use a different type of crust? Absolutely! While graham cracker crust is classic, you can swap it out for a cookie crust made from digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers. Get creative!
How do I know when my lemon cheesecake bars are done? They’re done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft right out of the oven!
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! In fact, they taste even better the next day after chilling overnight. Just be sure to cover them well in the fridge to keep them fresh.
What can I do with leftovers? Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They make a fantastic snack or dessert anytime you need a sweet treat!
Can I freeze lemon cheesecake bars? Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your lemon cheesecake bars is super easy! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about five days, but trust me, they’re so delicious you might not have any leftovers!
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—too much heat can change that lovely creamy texture. Enjoy those zesty bites any way you like!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this New York-style cheesecake recipe or this easy lemon tart recipe!
Imprimer
Lemon Cheesecake Bars: 7 Tangy Delights to Savor
- Temps Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Lemon cheesecake bars are a creamy and tangy dessert with a buttery crust.
Ingrédients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Chill the bars overnight for improved texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 18g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 14g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 29g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: lemon cheesecake bars
