Description
Indulge in the bright, refreshing taste of Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars, where zesty lemon meets a rich, creamy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These delightful bars are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a weekend treat, or just a sweet pick-me-up. With their incredible balance of tangy and sweet flavors, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, ensuring you’re always ready to satisfy that sweet craving. Get ready to brighten your day with this simple yet delicious dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, ½ cup sugar, and salt; add melted butter and stir until combined.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add remaining sugar and eggs one at a time. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Pour the filling over the crust and sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until set but slightly jiggy in the center.
- Cool at room temperature for an hour then refrigerate for at least three hours before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg