Cheesecake Lemon Bars

One of the all-time best spring desserts is here! Cheesecake Lemon Bars are the ultimate indulgence, featuring four layers of pure decadence. Imagine buttery shortbread, a fresh and tangy lemon filling, rich and creamy cheesecake, and a smooth layer of sweetened sour cream all in one bite. These bars are sure to impress your family and guests alike. With such a delightful combination, how could you go wrong?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars might seem like they contain a lot of sugar, but it’s not much more than your average cake, and it’s divided among about 20 servings. But let’s be honest, self-control flies out the window when it comes to these bars—they’re worth every calorie! Originally shared a few years ago, this recipe has been updated just in time for Easter. Trust me, you’ll want to make these for your holiday dessert table!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 13 by 9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Electric hand mixer

Ingredients

Shortbread Layer

• 1 1/2 cups (213g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (68g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (6 oz) unsalted butter, cold and diced into small cubes

Lemon Layer

• 1 1/2 cups (330g) granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup (4.6 oz) lemon juice
• 4 large eggs

Cheesecake Layer

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened well (but not melted)
• 3/4 cup (165g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) sour cream

Sour Cream Layer

• 1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
• 4 Tbsp (34g) powdered sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and set aside.

For the shortbread layer: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread and pat it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 15-18 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the fillings.

For the lemon layer: In another mixing bowl, whisk sugar and flour, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs. Whisk until well blended. Set aside (do not pour into the crust yet to avoid soaking the shortbread layer).

For the cheesecake layer: In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer on low speed, cream together cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth, about 30 seconds. Mix in eggs one at a time, adding vanilla with the second egg. Mix in 1/4 cup sour cream. Tap the bowl against the countertop about 10 times to release any large air bubbles.

Pour the lemon filling over the crust, then evenly pour the cheesecake filling over the lemon layer. Skim off any air bubbles. Gently spread the cheesecake filling into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven until the filling only jiggles slightly, about 29-33 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours.

For the sour cream layer: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream and powdered sugar. Spread into an even layer over the chilled bars. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips for Success

• Ensure that the cream cheese is well softened before mixing to achieve a smooth cheesecake layer.
• Be patient with the chilling time; it ensures that the bars set properly for clean cuts.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Add a hint of vanilla bean to the cheesecake layer for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can these bars be made ahead of time?
You can make them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better the next day!

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Cheesecake Lemon Bars are a must-try for any dessert lover, especially during springtime gatherings. Go ahead and give them a whirl, and don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists with us. Happy baking!