Description
These no-bake lemon cheesecake bars are a refreshingly tangy and creamy dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious lemon-infused cheesecake filling made with cream cheese and whipped cream, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Ready in under 5 hours without turning on the oven, this easy recipe is ideal for warm days or when you want a simple, elegant treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and sugar.
- Press crust into pan: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to pack it down evenly to form a solid base.
- Beat cream cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add flavorings: Gradually add powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, indicating it is firm and holds shape well.
- Fold whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture. Be careful to incorporate fully without deflating the whipped cream for a light texture.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the lemon cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer.
- Refrigerate: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is fully set and firm.
- Cut into bars: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the plastic wrap and cut into 12 squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled: Serve the lemon cheesecake bars chilled and enjoy the creamy, tangy dessert.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest to 3 tablespoons.
- To prevent the bars from sticking, line the pan with parchment paper before pressing the crust.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: no-bake lemon cheesecake bars, lemon dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, summer dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy lemon bars
