Lucious and Lemony Cheesecake Bars

Luscious and Lemony Cheesecake Bars are a bright, refreshing take on classic cheesecake, designed to deliver rich creaminess with a lively citrus finish. Cheesecake has long been a beloved dessert across cultures, prized for its smooth texture and indulgent flavor, and transforming it into bar form makes it more approachable for everyday baking and sharing. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest brings a vibrant balance that lightens the richness and adds irresistible freshness.

These cheesecake bars feature a buttery crust—often made from graham crackers or shortbread—topped with a silky, lemon-infused cream cheese filling. As they bake, the filling sets into a smooth, velvety layer that melts in the mouth, while the lemon adds a clean, tangy note that keeps each bite from feeling too heavy. The contrast between the crisp crust and the creamy topping creates a perfectly balanced dessert experience.

Luscious and Lemony Cheesecake Bars are ideal for gatherings, holidays, or make-ahead desserts, as they slice neatly and travel well. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee and can be finished with powdered sugar, a lemon glaze, or fresh berries for an elegant touch. This recipe highlights the timeless appeal of cheesecake while celebrating the refreshing, uplifting flavor of lemon.

Lucious and Lemony Cheesecake Bars

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Luscious and Lemony Cheesecake Bars are a bright, refreshing take on classic cheesecake, designed to deliver rich creaminess with a lively citrus finish. Cheesecake has long been a beloved dessert across cultures, prized for its smooth texture and indulgent flavor, and transforming it into bar form makes it more approachable for everyday baking and sharing. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest brings a vibrant balance that lightens the richness and adds irresistible freshness.

These cheesecake bars feature a buttery crust—often made from graham crackers or shortbread—topped with a silky, lemon-infused cream cheese filling. As they bake, the filling sets into a smooth, velvety layer that melts in the mouth, while the lemon adds a clean, tangy note that keeps each bite from feeling too heavy. The contrast between the crisp crust and the creamy topping creates a perfectly balanced dessert experience.

Luscious and Lemony Cheesecake Bars are ideal for gatherings, holidays, or make-ahead desserts, as they slice neatly and travel well. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee and can be finished with powdered sugar, a lemon glaze, or fresh berries for an elegant touch. This recipe highlights the timeless appeal of cheesecake while celebrating the refreshing, uplifting flavor of lemon.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 1/2 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut, optional
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, cold & cubed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temp.
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 Limoncello liqueur (can replace with lemon juice)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment paper.  Butter parchment paper.
3. In a mixer with a paddle attachment, add oats, flour,  baking powder,  salt, sugars and coconut. Mix until well combined. While on slow speed, Add butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Using half of the crumb mixture, evenly press into the bottom of the pan. Leave aside the other half.
5. Using a whisk attachment on medium-high speed, whip cream cheese until light and fluffy.  Add yolk one a time, mixing in well before adding the next one.  Add lemon zest and vanilla.
6. On medium-high speed, add sweetened condensed milk and beat for 3 minutes.
7. On slow speed,  whisk in lemon juice and limoncello scraping sides of bowl as needed.
8. Pour filling into crust.   Top by sprinkling the remaining crumb mixture.
9. Bake for 30 minutes.
10. Cool lemon bars to room temperature then refrigerate at least four hours.

• Author: Recipe Maker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American Recipes Italian Recipes