Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 12+ Years Experience ⏰ 1200+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I created these lemon cheesecake bars on a sunny afternoon, inspired by my love for citrus desserts. They quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, delighting everyone who tried them. Perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration, they are always a hit!"

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade crafting delightful desserts that please the palate. Known for his innovative recipes, he brings creativity and flavor to every dish. With a culinary degree and extensive experience, Chef Mitchell continues to inspire through his cooking.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Deliciously gooey lemon cheesecake bars topped with lemon zest.

Why This Gooey Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe Works

The key to these delicious bars is the perfect balance between creamy texture and tangy lemon flavor. Using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the taste, making each bite refreshing. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, creating a wonderful contrast.

These bars are not just easy to make; they are a crowd-pleaser. The gooey center pairs perfectly with the firm crust, offering a satisfying mouthfeel. The combination of sweetness and tartness makes these bars irresistible.

💡 Professional Tip

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling. For an added twist, consider swirling in some blueberry puree before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, covered to maintain freshness.

You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta for a lighter flavor. However, the texture may vary slightly.

The bars are done when the edges are firm, and the center is slightly jiggly. They will set as they cool.

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

You'll need a mixing bowl, electric mixer, measuring cups, and a 9x9 inch baking pan. Having parchment paper on hand can also help with easy removal.

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also make a delightful addition.

This recipe doesn't have any spice, but you could add a touch of ground ginger to the crust for a subtle warmth.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze as mentioned earlier.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your bars turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking them.

Solution: Keep a close eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking, and remove them as soon as the edges are set.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Uneven baking can happen if the oven temperature is inaccurate.

Solution: Use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature and adjust your settings accordingly for even baking.

✅

Lacking Flavor

Problem: If the bars lack flavor, it might be due to not using fresh lemon juice.

Prevention: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice won't have the same impact.

✅

Wrong Texture

Problem: If the texture is off, it could be due to the cream cheese not being softened enough.

Recovery: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can lead to a dry and crumbly texture.

Prevention: Follow the recommended baking time closely and check for doneness before the timer goes off.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar in the filling slightly.

Too Salty: If too salty, double-check that you're measuring your ingredients accurately.

Bland: To enhance flavor, add a touch more lemon zest or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Ingredients for gooey lemon cheesecake bars laid out on a countertop.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Selecting quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor. Opt for fresh lemons for zest and juice, as they will add brightness to the bars. Choose high-quality cream cheese for a rich, creamy filling.

When it comes to the crust, use finely crushed graham crackers for the best texture. Ensure your butter is unsalted to control the flavor balance in the bars.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Lemons: Choose firm, bright lemons for their juice and zest. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
  • Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Graham Crackers: Select quality graham crackers for the crust. Crushing them finely will ensure a smooth and even base.
Baking gooey lemon cheesecake bars in the oven.

Cooking Technique Tips

To achieve the perfect cheesecake bars, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth filling and prevents lumps.

Bake the bars until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. This ensures a gooey texture that firm up as they cool.

Chef's Secret Technique

For an ultra-smooth filling, blend the cream cheese until fluffy before adding other ingredients. This small step makes a big difference in texture.

Gooey Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Prep 20 min
Cook 30 min
Serves 12 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
    💡 Use finely crushed for a smoother crust.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    💡 Adjust for sweetness preference.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    💡 Melted butter helps bind the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 1 pound cream cheese, softened
    💡 Ensure it’s at room temperature.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    💡 Essential for sweetness.
  • 3 large eggs
    💡 Adds structure to the filling.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and set aside.

  2. Step 2: Prepare the Crust

    In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

  3. Step 3: Mix the Filling

    In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the sugar, ensuring there are no lumps.

  4. Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.

  5. Step 5: Pour and Bake

    Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.

  6. Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate

    Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

  7. Step 7: Serve

    Cut into bars and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze as previously mentioned.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delightful on their own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries complement the lemon flavor beautifully.

Variations

Try adding different citrus zest like lime or orange for a unique twist. Swirling in fruit preserves can also elevate the flavor.