Description
Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the perfect delight for dessert lovers seeking a balance of creamy and zesty flavors. With a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, rich cream cheese filling infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, these bars offer a refreshing treat that’s ideal for any occasion—from summer picnics to cozy family dinners. Not only are they simple to make, but they also impress with their bright taste and elegant presentation. Serve chilled for the perfect ending to any meal, or enjoy them as a delightful snack throughout the day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 16 ounces light cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks) softened
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
- In a food processor or bowl, pulse together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Add cold butter pieces until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly browned; let cool.
- In a mixer, beat softened cream cheese with Greek yogurt and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and remaining lemon zest until combined.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for another 28-32 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg