Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Tangy & Totally Irresistible!

If you’re craving a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars are your answer. With a smooth, creamy texture and a buttery graham cracker crust, each bite is like a burst of sunshine. They’re simple enough for weekday baking but elegant enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love These Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Bars

These lemon bars are:

• Bursting with fresh citrus flavor
• Smooth and rich with a velvety cream cheese filling
• Made with real lemon juice and zest
• Perfectly balanced in sweetness and tanginess
• Easy to slice, serve, and impress

They’re vegetarian-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the lemon cheesecake filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 8 large eggs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.

2. Make the lemon cheesecake filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix well until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition.

3. Bake to perfection

Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

4. Slice and serve

Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using parchment. Cut into bars with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for clean slices.

Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Cheesecake Bars

• Use fresh lemon juice—bottled won’t give the same bright flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the eggs.
• Chill thoroughly before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even some fresh berries on top. They’re ideal for brunches, showers, or any time you’re craving a light yet indulgent dessert.

Make It Your Own

Want to add a twist? Swap out the graham crackers for vanilla wafers or shortbread crumbs. Add a touch of lavender or thyme to the crust for a gourmet upgrade. Or swirl in raspberry jam before baking for a fruity contrast.