Description
Lemon cheesecake bars are a refreshing and delightful dessert that perfectly balances creamy indulgence with zesty brightness. Ideal for any gathering, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth filling made from cream cheese and Greek yogurt, enhanced by fresh lemon juice and zest. Easy to prepare, they require minimal ingredients and can be made ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to birthdays, dinner parties, or simply as a treat for yourself. These lemon cheesecake bars not only impress with their taste but also bring a burst of sunshine to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 16 ounces light cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened (do not use fat-free)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
- In a food processor, combine flours, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly browned. Cool.
- Beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and sugar in a standing mixer until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and remaining lemon zest; blend well.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for an additional 28-32 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 45g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg