Introduction
Dive into summer with these No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars! 🍋🍰 Light, creamy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they’re the perfect chill-out treat for hot days. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a refreshing dessert, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Perfect for summer when you want to keep the oven off.
- Tangy and Sweet: The fresh lemon juice and zest give a refreshing citrus kick.
- Easy to Make: Only a few simple steps, yet the results are stunning.
- Customizable Toppings: Add whipped cream, fresh berries, or lemon slices for an extra flair.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 cups finely crushed graham crackers (roughly 24 rectangles or 48 square graham crackers, one 14-ounce box is enough)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
For the Filling:
- 32 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (4 8-ounce packs)
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (2 14-ounce cans)
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4 large lemons for juice and zest)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on each side for easy removal later. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a separate large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Pour the filling over the graham cracker crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Cover and refrigerate (or freeze) for 4-6 hours, or until firm. For best results, chill overnight.
Step 4: Serve
- When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake bars from the refrigerator or freezer.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or lemon slices if desired.
- Cut into 12-24 squares and serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
How do I store these cheesecake bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
What other toppings can I use?
Try drizzling white chocolate, adding crushed cookies, or using a mix of berries for a beautiful presentation.
What if the filling doesn’t set?
If the filling is still soft after refrigerating, place the pan in the freezer for 1-2 hours to firm up.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the epitome of summer desserts—simple, refreshing, and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Give them a try and let the tangy, creamy flavor brighten your day!
If you make this recipe, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends who love lemony treats. 🍋🍰
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Summer Dessert
Light, creamy, and packed with the zingy flavor of fresh lemons, these No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat for hot summer days. With no oven required, they’re a breeze to whip up and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a fancy brunch, these bars are the perfect way to brighten your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: No need to turn on the oven—perfect for warm weather!
- Bursting with Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give these bars a vibrant, tangy kick.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe a no-fuss dessert.
- Versatile Presentation: Dress them up with whipped cream, berries, or lemon slices for added flair.
Ingredients for No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Crust:
- 3 cups finely crushed graham crackers (roughly 24 rectangles or 48 squares)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 32 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (four 8-ounce packs)
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (two 14-ounce cans)
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 large lemons)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a large bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Place in the refrigerator to set.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In another large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
- Cover the pan and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight until fully set. For a firmer texture, freeze for an additional hour before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the cheesecake bars from the pan using the parchment overhang.
- Slice into 12-24 squares and garnish with extra lemon zest, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or lemon slices, as desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Consistency Tip: If the bars aren’t firm enough after refrigeration, place them in the freezer for about an hour before slicing.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra zing, consider adding a touch of lemon extract to the filling.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute low-fat cream cheese if needed.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies make excellent alternatives.
How do I prevent lumps in the filling?
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing, tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their silky filling and buttery graham cracker crust, they’re sure to be a hit with lemon lovers everywhere. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings!
Make these bars for your next gathering and enjoy the compliments that follow. Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below!