Description
These Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a bright, creamy, and tangy-sweet dessert, perfect for brightening any day. They are a family favorite, easy to make, and great for potlucks, featuring a vibrant lemon flavor and a perfect balance of creamy filling and crisp graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter for the crust. Press firmly into the prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth
- Gradually beat in eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined
- Pour the lemon cheesecake filling over the hot crust
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill the Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before slicing
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is truly softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
Do not overmix the cheesecake batter once eggs are added; overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause cracking.
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting; using a warm knife helps create clean slices.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
The recipe can be made a day or two in advance for enhanced flavors.
If using a 9×9 inch pan, the bars will be slightly thinner, and baking time might reduce.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: lemon, cheesecake, bars, dessert, tangy, sweet, creamy, graham cracker, potluck