Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Bars feature a delicious graham cracker crust and a creamy cheesecake filling, all highlighted by zesty lemon. Perfect for gatherings or a simple treat at home!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ cups crushed graham cracker crumbs (150 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted & slightly cooled (70 grams))
- 16 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened to room temperature (452 grams; 2 blocks))
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (60 grams)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135 grams)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (about 1 medium lemon)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir well.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully moistened.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer, using the bottom of a measuring cup as needed.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Keep the oven at 325°F (163°C).
- In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until combined, then add lemon juice and zest.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and add to the cheesecake mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, scraping the bowl as necessary.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust and smooth into an even layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until set around the edges with a slightly wobbly center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Cover and chill in the fridge for 4-5 hours until firm.
- Lift the bars out using the overhang from the parchment paper, slice, and serve.
Notes
For a firmer texture, ensure the bars chill for a longer period in the fridge.
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest for stronger or milder lemon flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg