Description
Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful, creamy dessert that captures the essence of bright citrus flavors in every bite. With a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon-infused filling, these bars offer a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating summer gatherings or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these easy-to-make bars will impress friends and family alike. They are not only visually appealing but also provide a rich yet light texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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 the oven to 350°F and grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
- In a food processor, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Add cold butter pieces and pulse until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 20 to 22 minutes until lightly browned; cool for 15 minutes.
- In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and granulated sugar 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 the filling over the cooled crust and bake for another 28 to 32 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool on a wire rack for an hour before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg