4.1 from 60 votes
Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Lemon Cheesecake Bars feature a crisp almond and brown sugar base topped with a creamy cheese filling flavored with fresh lemon juice and zest. The creamy layer sets after baking, resulting in a smooth texture contrasted by a firm, buttery crust. The lemon adds a bright, tangy note balancing the richness of the cream cheese, creating a refreshing dessert bar.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Chilling time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
20
bars
Calories:
147 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Baked Goods
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
FOR THE BASE
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 7 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 6 tablespoons almonds finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons butter melted and cooled
*If you find the mixture too crumbly add another 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
CREAM CHEESE FILLING
- 10 ounces cream cheese whole not light, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- zest lemon from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 350F (180 C). Lightly grease and flour, spray or line with parchment paper an 8 inch (21 cm) square cake pan.
Cup of Yum
FOR THE BASE
- In a small bowl with a fork combine flour, sugar and almonds, add butter and combine just until mixture is crumbly. Place mixture in the prepared cake pan and press down firmly. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool approximately 5 - 10 minutes before adding the filling.
CREAM CHEESE FILLING
- While the base is baking make the filling, in a medium bowl beat at medium speed the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice and zest together until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Spread the filling evenly on top. Bake again for approximately 20-25 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edge of the pan, let cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours before cutting. Enjoy!
Notes
- Remove bars from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to soften slightly.
- Check doneness by gently shaking the pan; a mostly set center that jiggles slightly indicates perfect baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; keep bars in a single layer to avoid sticking.
- Freeze bars cut into squares on a cookie sheet first, then store with parchment paper between layers; thaws best in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Calories
147kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
32mg
(11%)
Sodium
81mg
(3%)
Potassium
51mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
316IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
25mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 20 bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 147
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 147kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 81mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 51mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 316IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.