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Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Recipe

Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

These Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, tangy lemon cheesecake filling, topped with a crunchy crumb layer. Perfectly balanced between sweet and citrusy, these bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust & Crumb Topping

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
  2. Make the Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
  3. Press the Crust: Firmly press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even crust layer.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Add ½ cup granulated sugar and mix. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is silky and well combined.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the pressed crust. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture evenly over the filling to create a crumbly topping.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
  7. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the cheesecake firm up completely.
  8. Serve: Once fully chilled, slice into bars. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and color.

Notes

  • Room temperature cream cheese makes for a smoother filling.
  • For more intense lemon flavor, add a little more lemon zest or juice but be cautious not to make the filling too runny.
  • Use parchment paper with an overhang to lift the bars easily from the pan.
  • These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Optionally, freeze bars for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cheesecake bars, crumb bars, lemon dessert, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, lemon bars, dessert bars

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/creamy-lemon-cheesecake-crumb-bars-recipe/