If you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to love Lemon Cheesecake Bars. These delicious treats offer the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just a simple family dinner, these bars are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Plus, they combine the comforting texture of a cheesecake with the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon, creating a delightful balance that is hard to resist.
Why We Love This Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Lemon Cheesecake Bars hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many dessert lovers. What’s not to adore? They are easy to prepare, making them an accessible dessert option for bakers of all skill levels. The buttery crust sets the stage for the creamy filling, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing lift that cuts through the richness. You can enjoy them straight out of the refrigerator after a meal or as a midday snack. The versatility and taste of these bars make them a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is essential to achieving that perfect burst of flavor in your Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 1 2/3 cups white sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 large lemons)
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Bars Directions
Creating Lemon Cheesecake Bars is as enjoyable as eating them. Follow these straightforward steps to whip up your own delightful batch.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Prepare Your Baking Pan: Take a 9- × 9-inch baking pan, grease it well, and line it with parchment paper. This will help with easy removal after baking.
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of salted butter, and 2 tablespoons of grated lemon zest. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Once ready, press this crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined pan to create a solid base. Bake for 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Once baked, let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the cubed cream cheese and 1/2 cup of white sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add in 1 egg and mix well. Pour this creamy mixture over your cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the top just sets slightly.
Make the Lemon Layer: Grab another bowl to whisk together 4 extra-large eggs, 1 2/3 cups of white sugar, 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. Make sure you mix until everything is well combined. Pour this lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
Final Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
Cooling and Setting: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature initially. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 3 hours to set completely.
Serving: Before serving, you can sprinkle some icing sugar on top for an added touch. Slice into squares and enjoy this heavenly dessert.
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Serving Lemon Cheesecake Bars is as easy and delightful as making them. These bars can be enjoyed on their own, or you can elevate the experience by dressing them up a bit. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Chilled or Room Temperature: Lemon Cheesecake Bars are delicious either chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve just taken them out of the refrigerator, that cool, refreshing taste is particularly delightful, especially on a warm day.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Pair these bars with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the cheesecake beautifully.
Drizzle with Lemon Sauce: For an extra lemony kick, consider drizzling a light lemon sauce or a lemon curd over the bars before serving. This will enhance the lemon flavor and add a beautiful presentation.
Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can add a creamy, airy element to the bars. You can even flavor the cream with a little lemon zest to tie everything together.
Serve on a Beautiful Platter: Presentation matters. Arrange your bars on a lovely serving platter. A sprinkle of icing sugar or a few lemon slices as decoration can make your dish even more eye-catching.
Expert Tips for Lemon Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Lemon Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemons. Fresh juice and zest will give your bars that vibrant, tangy taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Before making your cheesecake filling, allow your cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother texture and a creamier filling.
Don’t Over Mix: When mixing your ingredients, especially the eggs, be careful not to over-mix, as this can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks during baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. It’s better to check them a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.
Let Them Chill: Patience is vital! Allowing the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours ensures that they set properly and are easier to slice.
Check for Doneness: A slight jiggle in the center of your bars when you shake the pan gently indicates they may be just right. They will set further as they cool.
How to Store Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Once you’ve made your delicious Lemon Cheesecake Bars, you may wonder about storage options. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Refrigeration: Store your Lemon Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, they will remain fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep your bars longer, you can freeze them. First, let them cool completely and then slice them. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations of Lemon Cheesecake Bars
One of the best things about Lemon Cheesecake Bars is their versatility. Here are some variations you can try:
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Adding a layer of fresh blueberries on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the lemon layer creates a beautiful and flavorful twist.
Lemon Lavender Bars: For a fragrant twist, incorporate some dried culinary lavender into your crust. The floral notes combined with lemon offer an elegant and unique dessert.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars: If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can create a no-bake version using a prepared crust and a creamy filling made with whipped cream and lemon-flavored gelatin.
Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake Bars: For a chocolate lover’s delight, add cocoa powder to your crust or mix melted chocolate into the cream cheese layer for a chocolatey flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Lemon Cheesecake Bars: To modify this recipe for a gluten-free diet, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQ about Lemon Cheesecake Bars
What is the best way to serve Lemon Cheesecake Bars?
Lemon Cheesecake Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own but can also be enhanced with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Can I freeze Lemon Cheesecake Bars?
Yes! You can freeze Lemon Cheesecake Bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
How do I know when my Lemon Cheesecake Bars are done?
Your bars are done when they are set with a slight jiggle in the center. Overbaking can lead to a tough texture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
For a lighter alternative, you can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone in place of cream cheese, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I add other flavors to the bars?
Absolutely! You can easily incorporate flavors like almond, vanilla or even chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Equipment
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls:
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 Tbsp grated lemon zest
- 1 package cream cheese cubed (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 extra-large eggs room temperature
- 1 2/3 cups white sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 large lemons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Mix until crumbly, then press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and blend well, then pour over the cooled crust. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until just set.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 extra-large eggs, 1 2/3 cups of sugar, 2/3 cup of flour, and 2/3 cup of lemon juice. Mix until smooth, then pour over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set with a slight jiggle. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set completely.
- Before serving, sprinkle icing sugar on top and cut into squares.
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