Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and refreshing lemon cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings!

Ingredients:

  • For the Crust:
    • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted  
  • For the Cheesecake Filling:
    • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (3 standard 8-ounce packages)  
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 cup sour cream  
    • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Topping:
    • Powdered sugar for dusting.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
    • Allow to cool.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
    • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
    • Add sugar, flour, and salt, and beat until well combined.
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
    • Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    • Be careful not to overmix.
  3. Assemble and Bake:
    • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is almost set and the edges are lightly golden.
    • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
    • Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to firm up.
  4. Serve:
    • Lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
    • Cut into bars.
    • Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
    • Enjoy!

Leave a Comment