Irresistible Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Recipe

Sweet and zesty lemon cheesecake crumb bars dance between tangy brightness and rich decadence.

Silky layers meld together with buttery graham cracker foundations that crumble delightfully.

Creamy textures contrast against sharp citrus notes in every single bite.

Dessert enthusiasts will appreciate how simple ingredients create such magnificent results.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with bright lemon essence, creating a sophisticated treat.

Each bar promises a perfect balance of sweet and tart sensations.

Slice into these delectable bars and experience pure culinary magic that will make your taste buds sing.

FAQs About Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works as a convenient alternative. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a light golden-brown top and a slightly firm center. The filling should be set but still have a gentle jiggle when you shake the pan. Overbaking can lead to dry, cracked bars.

• What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat, block-style cream cheese (not whipped or spreadable) provides the richest, creamiest texture. Always use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.

Why Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Are Loved

• Savor Versatile Dessert Delights: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, these bars offer a crowd-pleasing option that suits multiple occasions.
• Create Stress-Free Baking Experience: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can confidently craft these delectable cheesecake bars without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Flavor-Packed Texture Adventure: Combining creamy cheesecake filling with buttery crumb layers, these bars deliver a delightful contrast of smooth and crunchy textures in every single bite.
• Customize with Easy Variations: Swap lemon for other citrus flavors like orange or lime, or add extra zest with a sprinkle of fresh berries to personalize this adaptable dessert recipe.

What You Need For Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that creates the foundation for the crumb mixture and crust.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness and helps bind the crumb mixture.
• Cold Butter: Provides richness and helps create a flaky, tender crumb texture.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crumb mixture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the bars a smooth, creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy flavors.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a firm, custard-like consistency.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a silky smooth filling.

• Vanilla Extract, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide bright, citrusy notes and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake bars.

How To Make Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or line it with aluminum foil for easy removal later.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Base

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cold butter slices
• Rolled oats

Pulse everything until it looks like delightful, sandy crumbs that will melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Create the Crust Foundation

Set aside 1½ cups of the crumb mixture for topping magic. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid, delicious base. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dreamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over the warm crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture across the top, gently pressing it down for a perfect texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful light golden brown.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let the bars cool completely. Slice into squares and keep chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to indulge in this zesty, creamy treat.

Simple Tips For Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• Boost Crumb Texture: Use cold butter and pulse briefly to prevent overworking the dough, ensuring a perfectly crumbly and tender crust.
• Zest Like a Pro: Grate lemon zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, extracting only the bright yellow outer layer for maximum citrusy flavor.
• Prevent Cracks: Allow cheesecake bars to cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate to minimize surface cracking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Slice Cleanly: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts to create neat, precise bars without dragging the creamy filling.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of salt to the crumb mixture to balance the sweetness and highlight the lemon's bright notes.

Fun Variations Of Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use certified gluten-free oats to maintain the crumbly texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Citrus Cheesecake Bars: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu to create a plant-based version of the classic dessert.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to lower calorie content. Add extra lemon zest for enhanced flavor without additional sugar.
• Dairy-Free Lemon Crumb Bars: Use coconut cream cheese alternative.

What Goes Well With Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• Refreshing Beverage Companion: Pair the creamy lemon cheesecake bars with a chilled glass of sparkling prosecco to complement the tangy dessert's zesty flavor profile.
• Sweet Wine Selection: Choose a light, sweet Moscato d'Asti that balances the dessert's richness and enhances the citrusy undertones with its delicate effervescence.
• Citrus-Infused Tea Twist: Brew a cold lavender and lemon herbal tea that mirrors the dessert's lemony notes and provides a refreshing, aromatic counterpoint to the creamy texture.
• Complementary Coffee Option: Serve a smooth, mild cappuccino with a hint of vanilla to contrast the bright lemon flavor and provide a warm, creamy accompaniment to the cheesecake bars.

How To Store Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain bar shape.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Warm gently in microwave at 50% power for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes or crumb separation.

Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars combine zesty citrus magic with rich, velvety cheesecake nestled between buttery crumb layers. Silky smooth filling and crisp edges make this dessert a perfect summer indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups oats
• 1 cup cold butter (sliced)

Sweeteners:

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar

Filling and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 8 ounces (226 grams) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and ready a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light grease or parchment paper lining for easy removal.
2. Craft the base crumble by combining flour and brown sugar in a food processor, then incorporate cold butter slices until the mixture becomes granular. Quickly pulse in oats for added texture.
3. Separate 1 ½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping, then firmly press the remaining mixture into the pan bottom, creating an even foundational layer. Bake this crust for 10 minutes until slightly set.
4. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl until velvety smooth. Gently integrate eggs, then introduce milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest, blending until the filling achieves a luxurious, uniform consistency.
5. Cascade the creamy lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Delicately scatter the reserved crumb mixture across the top, softly pressing to create a rustic, textured surface.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown finish and slight firmness in the center.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate. Slice into neat squares when thoroughly chilled for clean, precise edges.

Notes

• Chill the cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smoother, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing of the bars.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg