Description
These Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a bright, creamy, easy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth lemon cheesecake filling, and a glossy citrus topping. They are perfect for spring gatherings, holiday dessert tables, quick party desserts, easy baking projects, and sweet food ideas when you want a fresh lemon treat that feels special but is simple to make.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup lemon curd
1/2 cup whipped cream, for garnish
1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish
Mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until evenly combined.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.
5. Add 2/3 cup sugar and mix until creamy, then blend in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined.
7. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
9. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully chilled.
10. Spread the lemon curd over the top of the chilled bars.
11. Lift the cheesecake out of the pan, slice into bars, and garnish with whipped cream, lemon slices, and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
Use fully softened cream cheese so the filling stays smooth and lump-free.
Do not overmix after adding the eggs, because too much air can cause cracks while baking.
For the cleanest slices, chill the bars completely and wipe the knife between each cut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 252mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
Keywords: heavenly lemon cheesecake bars, lemon cheesecake bars, easy lemon dessert, creamy cheesecake bars, graham cracker crust dessert, spring dessert, party dessert, easy recipe, dessert ideas, food ideas