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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cascade the creamy lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Delicately scatter the reserved crumb mixture across the top, softly pressing to create a rustic, textured surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown finish and slight firmness in the center.
- 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