Description
Indulge in the creamy and citrusy delight of these Lemon Cheesecake Bars. A buttery graham cracker crust holds a luscious cheesecake filling brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfect for a summery dessert or any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional topping:
- powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Lift bars out, cut into squares, and dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
