Lemon Cheesecake Bars: A Zesty Three-Layer Dream Come True!
There’s nothing quite like the vibrant, zesty flavor of fresh lemons to brighten any day, and for me, lemons are an absolute passion! So, when a generous bounty of plump, sun-kissed lemons arrived recently from my cousin’s tree in sunny San Diego, I knew exactly what I had to do: create a dessert that celebrated their incredible citrusy charm. These delightful lemons are a cherished annual gift, brought to me by my mom and her husband after their winter sojourn in California, alongside a wonderful haul of fresh avocados. Each year, I eagerly anticipate their return, knowing a burst of sunshine in the form of these gorgeous fruits is on its way!
This year, the timing was perfect. I had committed to participating in a fun and exciting blogging event called #SixteenCheesecakes, a celebration of all things creamy and dreamy. What better way to honor my beloved lemons and join in the cheesecake fest than to craft something truly special? Instead of opting for a traditional, round cheesecake, my creative muse led me down a different path. I decided to transform the classic dessert into convenient and utterly irresistible bars. I had stumbled upon a fantastic recipe for lemon cheesecake bars on Pinterest a while back, and it had been lingering in the back of my mind, just waiting for the right moment and the perfect lemons to bring it to life. This was that moment!
Why These Lemon Cheesecake Bars Are an Absolute Must-Try
Prepare yourself, because these Lemon Cheesecake Bars are so extraordinarily good, they might just become your new favorite dessert! What makes them so utterly captivating is their ingenious three-layer construction, each contributing a unique texture and flavor profile that harmonizes into a symphony of lemon bliss. From the satisfying crunch of the base to the creamy, tangy center and the sweet, chewy topping, every bite is an experience you won’t soon forget. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of citrus perfection, meticulously designed to delight even the most discerning lemon lover.
The Delicious Layers: A Closer Look
- The Nilla Wafer Crust: We start with a foundation of finely crushed Nilla Wafer cookies, blended with a touch of sugar and melted butter. This creates a remarkably buttery, slightly sweet, and perfectly crisp base that provides a wonderful contrast to the smooth filling above. It’s simple, classic, and incredibly effective.
- The Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Center: This is where the magic truly happens! A rich, velvety smooth cheesecake layer infused with the bright, tangy essence of fresh lemon. We use both lemon extract and real lemon zest to ensure that exhilarating citrus flavor shines through, creating a refreshing and irresistible filling that melts in your mouth.
- The Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookie Topping: And for the grand finale? A soft, chewy cookie layer studded with sweet white chocolate chips and kissed with more lemon zest. This incredible topping adds another dimension of texture and flavor, marrying the tanginess of lemon with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. It’s the unexpected element that truly elevates these bars from great to legendary.
Each layer contributes to a harmonious whole, making these Lemon Cheesecake Bars an unforgettable treat. They are incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with textures ranging from firm and crunchy to smooth and chewy. Whether you’re a lifelong lemon aficionado or simply looking for a dessert that’s bright and refreshing, these bars are guaranteed to impress. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings, as a special weeknight treat, or simply to brighten your own day. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes them truly addictive, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Now that your taste buds are thoroughly tantalized, let’s dive into the detailed recipe so you can whip up a batch of these glorious Lemon Cheesecake Bars yourself!
Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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Print Recipe
Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 60 Nilla Wafers
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 stick butter melted
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- zest of one lemon
Cookie Topping:
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cup flour
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 11 ounce package White Chocolate morsels
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- To make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the Nilla Wafer cookies with sugar until fine crumbs form. Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- To make the cheesecake filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth, typically about 4 minutes. Carefully pour this creamy filling over the Nilla wafer crust, spreading it evenly.
- To make the cookie dough topping: In a clean bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, then beat again until everything is well combined. Gradually add the baking powder, kosher salt, and flour, mixing just until incorporated. Finally, fold in the white chocolate morsels. Using your fingers, pinch off small portions of the cookie dough, flatten them slightly, and arrange them over the top of the cheesecake layer. Continue until the entire cheesecake surface is covered with cookie dough pieces.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top cookie layer is lightly golden brown. The center of the cheesecake might still appear slightly jiggly, which is normal. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to set properly. Once chilled, slice into individual bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter for the cookie topping are at room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and a well-combined cookie dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake: Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth and fluffy, stop mixing. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Chill Time is Essential: While it’s tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the bars to chill for at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) is vital. This setting time allows the cheesecake to firm up perfectly, resulting in clean slices and a superior texture.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper lining makes removing the entire slab of cheesecake bars from the baking dish incredibly easy. This prevents sticking and ensures beautifully intact slices.
- Fresh Lemon Zest and Extract: Using both fresh lemon zest and a good quality lemon extract provides a layered lemon flavor that is bright, authentic, and pronounced. Don’t skip the zest – it adds incredible aroma and intense citrus notes.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Lemon Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled. You can garnish them with a thin slice of lemon, a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, or a few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for an extra pop of color and freshness. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light herbal tea.
To store, place the sliced or unsliced bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More Than #SixteenCheesecakes: A Blogging Tradition!
You might be wondering about the hashtag #SixteenCheesecakes. This delightful event originated last year when Camilla, the brilliant mind behind Culinary Adventures with Camilla, brought together a fantastic group of blogging friends to celebrate her 15th wedding anniversary. She originally aimed for fifteen unique cheesecake recipes, but the enthusiasm was so overwhelming that we ended up with far more than just #FifteenCheesecakes! It was such a tremendous success and so much fun for everyone involved that Camilla decided to host an encore performance. And so, the tradition continues, with even more of her favorite foodie bloggers eagerly contributing their most creative and delicious cheesecake recipes to the #SixteenCheesecakes lineup this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore a diverse array of cheesecake creations from talented home cooks and bakers across the blogging community. Make sure to check out all the amazing contributions!
Discover More Than #SixteenCheesecakes
I hope you thoroughly enjoy making and devouring these Lemon Cheesecake Bars as much as I do. They truly are a bright, beautiful, and utterly delicious dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!