Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lemon cheesecake bars are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet. This delightful dessert features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling bursting with fresh lemon flavor. They’re ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner. These bars are not only easy to make but also impress with their bright taste and smooth texture, making them a standout treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, making these bars is a breeze, even for beginner bakers.
• Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest provides a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect as a light summer dessert or a sweet finish to any meal, these bars fit any occasion.
• Creamy Texture: The rich cream cheese base creates a smooth and indulgent filling that pairs beautifully with the shortbread crust.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making them great for entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor (or mixing bowl)
• 8 x 8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Greatly simplifies mixing the crust ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Stand mixer: Ensures that the cream cheese filling is mixed smoothly without lumps for that perfect creamy texture.
• Baking pan: A square pan is ideal for baking these lemon cheesecake bars evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing different components separately before combining.

Ingredients

Lemon cheesecake bars are a creamy, bright and easy lemon dessert. Buttery shortbread crust with a rich cream cheese topping that bursts with lemon!

For the Crust

• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

For the Filling

• 16 ounces light cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks) softened (do not use fat free)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In the bowl of a food processor (or in a medium mixing bowl if not using a food processor), lightly pulse:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Whole-wheat pastry flour
3. Powdered sugar
4. 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest
5. Salt

Add butter pieces and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside to cool for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Filling

Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large mixing bowl), beat together:
– Cream cheese
– Greek yogurt
– Granulated sugar

Beat until smooth.

Step 6: Add Eggs & Flavorings

Add:
– Eggs
– Beat just until blended.

Then mix in:
– Fresh lemon juice
– Cornstarch
– Vanilla
– Remaining 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest
Beat well until combined.

Step 7: Combine Layers

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to cover all edges.

Step 8: Bake Again

Bake for an additional 28 to 32 minutes, or until set on top but slightly jiggly when you wiggle the pan. Let cool on a wire rack for about an hour.

Step 9: Chill & Serve

Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 8 hours. Cut into bars and garnish with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your delightful Lemon Cheesecake Bars!

How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lemon cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these zesty bars.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and arrange them on top for a colorful contrast.
• Blueberries: Scatter blueberries around the bars for a pop of color and natural sweetness.
• Raspberries: Add a few raspberries for a tart burst that complements the lemon flavor.

Drizzled with Fruit Sauce

• Raspberry Sauce: A drizzle of raspberry sauce adds vibrant color and a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake.
• Strawberry Sauce: Use pureed strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar for a sweet, fruity topping.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream balances the tartness of the lemon, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or lemon zest to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Served Chilled

• Refrigerate Before Serving: For the best texture, chill the bars in the fridge before serving. They are refreshing when enjoyed cold.

How to Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Creating perfect lemon cheesecake bars is all about attention to detail and following some key tips. Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your dessert turns out fantastic every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with room temperature cream cheese and eggs. This helps achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the filling light and airy. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
• Cool Gradually: Allow your cheesecake bars to cool in the pan before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation from forming on top.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor in your bars.
• Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture, chill your cheesecake bars for at least four hours before cutting into squares. Overnight is even better!
• Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan. This makes it easier to lift out the bars and slice them neatly.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Pairing side dishes with lemon cheesecake bars can elevate your dessert experience further. Here are some excellent options that complement their bright flavors perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheesecake.
2. Minted Green Salad: A light green salad with mint leaves provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy dessert.
3. Honey Yogurt Dip: Serve alongside honey-sweetened yogurt for dipping, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
4. Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio crumble adds texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with lemon.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats offer a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth cheesecake bars.
6. Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet enhances the citrus theme while providing a cooling effect after each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make a mistake while preparing Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using fat-free cream cheese will alter the texture. Stick with regular cream cheese for the best results.
• Bold forgetting room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling. Always let these ingredients warm up before mixing.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in your bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Bold skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can ruin their structure. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
• Bold using a non-greased pan: Not greasing your pan can result in sticking. Always grease the pan well to ensure easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 325°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals (10-15 seconds) to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Cheesecake Bars.

How do I prevent my Lemon Cheesecake Bars from cracking?

To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing your batter and ensure that you bake at a consistent temperature.

Can I use other flavors besides lemon?

Absolutely! You can customize these bars by adding different citrus zest or extracts like orange or lime for a unique twist.

How long do Lemon Cheesecake Bars need to chill?

These bars should chill for at least 4 hours but can be left overnight for even better flavor and texture.

What is the best way to cut Lemon Cheesecake Bars?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife after each cut for perfect slices.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to experiment with different toppings or flavor additions!