Description
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Lemon Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These creamy bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich cream cheese filling, enhanced by the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest. Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or as a sweet treat at home, these bars promise to impress with their vibrant flavors and smooth texture. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, Lemon Cheesecake Bars are sure to become your go-to dessert!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 16 ounces light cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks) softened (do not use fat free)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
- In a food processor, combine flours, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Pulse in cold butter until coarse.
- Press crust mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly browned.
- While cooling, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; then mix in lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and remaining lemon zest.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for an additional 28-32 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool on a wire rack for about an hour, then chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg