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Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

Zesty Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars to Brighten Your Day

Delicious Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars that bring a zesty burst of flavor to your dessert table, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Topping
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs use gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free option
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier choice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt important for flavor enhancement
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese or mascarpone for creaminess
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest preferably from fresh lemons
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice from fresh lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract add more for depth of flavor

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowls
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
  3. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside two-thirds of the crumb mixture for topping.
  4. Press the remaining one-third into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in granulated sugar until fluffy.
  6. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until edges are golden and center has a slight jiggle.
  9. Let cool at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Follow ingredient swaps for gluten-free and dairy-free options. These bars taste better the next day as the flavors meld.

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