The Ultimate Guide to Lemon Cheesecake Bars: A Summery Twist on a Classic Dessert
Looking for an easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe? You've come to the right place! In the video below you'll learn how to make our favorite Pink Lemonade Cheesecake Bars for all of your summer parties!
Cheesecake bars are a delightful and versatile dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional cheesecake with the convenience and portability of a bar. These treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as an indulgent snack. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about cheesecake bars, from their history to variations, and provide a step-by-step guide to making the perfect batch.
What Are Cheesecake Bars?
Cheesecake bars are essentially cheesecake in a more manageable, portable form. They consist of a crust, typically made from crushed cookies or graham crackers, and a creamy filling made from cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. The mixture is baked and then cut into individual squares or rectangles. Cheesecake bars offer the same luscious flavor and texture as traditional cheesecake but are easier to serve and eat, making them ideal for casual gatherings.
Why Choose Cheesecake Bars?
There are several reasons why cheesecake bars are a fantastic dessert option:
- Convenience: Unlike traditional cheesecake, which requires careful slicing and serving, cheesecake bars are pre-portioned and easy to handle.
- Versatility: You can create endless variations by experimenting with different crusts, fillings, and toppings.
- Portion Control: Cheesecake bars provide a convenient way to enjoy a smaller portion of dessert without overindulging.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
To make cheesecake bars, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Crust:
- 35 Oreo Cookies (leave the filling!)
- 4 tbs Melted Butter (we like salted, but unsalted works too)
- Filling
- 3 Cream Cheese Packets (8 oz)
- 1.5 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Sourcream
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extact
- 2 tsp Lemon Extract (We used Lemon Drop from PK Elixirs, but reg lemon extract will do)
- 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 3 Eggs
- 2 Sugar Art Gel Colors, we used these:
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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesecake Bars
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Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. We did not do this, but wish we had! LOL.
- Taking a food processor, crush all 35 Oreo Cookies, again leave the filling in them, until they are tiny crumbles.
- Then, in a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and melted butter. You will then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. We like to use a flat bottom cup or glass to help even out the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 325°F, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
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Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the sour cream, flour, vanilla and lemon extract.
- Mix until light and fluffy.
- Then add in all 3 eggs and only mix them in until combined, do not beat them any further.
- Separate the mixture into 3 bowls and color them your desired colors. We recommend leaving one bowl natural, so there is a nice contrast between the other two colors.
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Prep and Bake The Cheesecake Bars:
- Add in the cheesecake mixtures to your pan, you can follow our steps in the video above if you're wanting to do the squares and design.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Ed strongly recommends baking your cheesecake in a water bath for the perfect final texture.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature for 1 hour.
-
Chill and Set:
- Once the bars have cooled, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
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Cut and Serve:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts to ensure neat slices.
- Add your desired toppings before serving.
Creative Variations
One of the best aspects of cheesecake bars is their adaptability. Here are some other creative variations to try:
- Fruit Swirl Cheesecake Bars: Add a swirl of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or blueberry, to the filling before baking.
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars: Stir mini chocolate chips into the filling and sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Incorporate canned pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the filling for a seasonal treat.
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars: Mix creamy peanut butter into the filling and top with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest to the filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- Avoid Overbaking: The center of the cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill completely in the refrigerator for the best texture and easiest slicing.
- Use a Water Bath: For extra creamy bars, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with a couple of inches of hot water.
Conclusion
These Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that offers convenience, versatility, and undeniable deliciousness. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with creative variations, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Follow our step-by-step guide and tips to make the perfect batch of cheesecake bars, and enjoy this delectable treat at your next gathering.
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