Zesty Cheesecake Lemon Bars
Cheesecake Lemon Bars: A Delightful Dessert Recipe
If you are looking for a deliciously tangy dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright flavor of lemon, you have come to the right place. Cheesecake Lemon Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or a casual weekend dessert. These bars are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends with their delightful taste.
Why Make This Recipe
Cheesecake Lemon Bars are not just visually appealing; they are also bursting with flavor. The creamy cheesecake layer complements the zesty lemon filling, creating a perfect balance between sweet and tart. Additionally, these bars are simple to prepare, utilizing common ingredients found in most kitchens. If you love desserts that offer both simplicity and a burst of refreshing flavor, this recipe is a must-try!
How to Make Cheesecake Lemon Bars
Follow this straightforward, step-by-step guide to create the perfect Cheesecake Lemon Bars.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 4 eggs
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 0.5 cup lemon juice
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour and confectioners’ sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a knife or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1.5 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour this lemon mixture over the prepared crust. Skim off any bubbles that may form on the surface.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until well blended. Then whisk in 2 eggs and spread this mixture over the lemon layer. Note that the mixtures will separate during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is set, approximately 30 minutes.
How to Serve Cheesecake Lemon Bars
Once baked and cooled, cut the Cheesecake Lemon Bars into squares. For an elegant presentation, dust them with a little additional confectioners’ sugar and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint. These bars are perfect as a refreshing dessert after a meal or as a snack with tea or coffee.
How to Store Cheesecake Lemon Bars
To ensure that your Cheesecake Lemon Bars stay fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for up to a week. You can also freeze these bars; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Cheesecake Lemon Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing; this will ensure a smooth texture.
- For an extra zing, consider adding more lemon zest to the filling.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the lemon filling.
Variations
- Experiment with different citrus zests like lime or orange for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or blueberry, on top of the lemon mixture before spreading the cream cheese layer for added flavor.
- Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you’re catering to gluten-sensitive guests.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter flavor.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and not jiggle when you gently shake the baking dish.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and will taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight.
Create these delightful Cheesecake Lemon Bars for your next gathering, and watch them become an instant favorite! With their rich and refreshing flavors, they are sure to be a hit.
Cheesecake Lemon Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup confectioners' sugar
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes Cold butter is preferred for the crust.
Lemon Filling
- 4 large eggs Whisked together.
- 1.5 cups white sugar For the lemon filling.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 0.5 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
Cream Cheese Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar For the cream cheese layer.
- 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour and confectioners' sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a knife or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1.5 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour this lemon mixture over the prepared crust. Skim off any bubbles that may form on the surface.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until well blended.
- Whisk in 2 eggs and spread this mixture over the lemon layer. Note that the mixtures will separate during baking.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is set, approximately 30 minutes.
Serving
- Once baked and cooled, cut the Cheesecake Lemon Bars into squares. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
