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Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars That Brighten Every Bite

Delicious Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars that combine zesty lemon with creamy cheesecake, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Crust and Topping
  • 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs Substitute with gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • 1/2 cup Melted butter Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar Coconut sugar works as a less refined alternative.
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour Opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Do not skip this; it's crucial for flavor balance.
Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Choose full-fat block cream cheese for best results; avoid whipped versions.
  • 2 large Eggs Essential for structure; don’t substitute without adjusting the recipe.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon zest Always use fresh zest for optimal taste—skip the bottled stuff.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice Freshly squeezed is a must for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract is recommended for enhanced taste.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • baking dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add melted butter and mix until resembling wet sand.
  3. Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pressed crust and spread evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cheesecake filling.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until set and lightly golden on top. Cool at room temperature for about an hour.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For best results, ensure room temperature ingredients are used and allow for proper chilling before cutting.

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