Description
These Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, citrusy dessert with a graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake filling, and a swirl of bright lemon curd. Perfect for spring gatherings or summer brunches, this lemon dessert bar recipe is easy to make and full of zesty flavor. Best lemon cheesecake bars to serve chilled!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup sour cream
½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, flour, and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
5. Drop spoonfuls of lemon curd on top and swirl with a skewer or toothpick to create a marbled pattern.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Remove and cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Lift out the chilled bars using parchment. Slice cleanly with a warm knife. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
Swirl the lemon curd gently to avoid blending it into the cheesecake layer.
Chill thoroughly for clean, sharp cuts—overnight is best!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg