Description
When sunshine meets creamy indulgence, you get these dreamy Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth cheesecake layer, and a vibrant lemon curd swirl on top, every bite is a burst of citrusy bliss. Perfect for quick breakfast bites, healthy snack cravings, or elegant dessert ideas, this easy recipe brightens any dinner table.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup lemon curd
1 cup whipped cream (for garnish)
4 lemon slices (quartered, for garnish)
1 tablespoon crushed graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix until combined.
4. Beat in 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup lemon juice until just smooth.
5. Pour filling over crust. Drop 1/3 cup lemon curd in spoonfuls and swirl with a knife.
6. Bake for 35–38 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours.
7. Slice into 16 bars. Garnish with whipped cream, a lemon slice, and graham crumbs before serving.
Notes
Be sure cream cheese is fully softened before beating to avoid lumps.
Don’t over-swirl the lemon curd or it’ll blend into the filling instead of creating a marbled look.
Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for clean slicing and best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake bars, easy dessert, lemon bars, summer treats