Description
These lemon cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy, creamy lemon filling. They are beginner-proof, require minimal cleanup, and taste better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down sides.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Tap pan to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Lift bars out using parchment overhang, slice into squares, and dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps and curdling. Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs to avoid cracking. The bars must be chilled thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 3
Keywords: lemon cheesecake bars, easy dessert, graham cracker crust, beginner baking, make-ahead dessert, tangy lemon bars