Why Make This Recipe
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They are light, refreshing, and have a delightful burst of citrus flavor. These bars are exceptionally easy to prepare since there’s no baking involved, making them a great option for those hot days when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat up your kitchen. Plus, they are a hit among both kids and adults, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or even a simple family dessert. The creamy texture combined with the tang of lemon makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Making No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and a little time to chill. Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious batch of these cheesecake bars.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- Zest of 1 lemon
Directions
Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust. Make sure to pack it tightly for a sturdy base.
Make the filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. You want a creamy consistency without lumps.
Incorporate whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This step is crucial as it lightens the filling without deflating the whipped cream. Mix just until combined.
Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a nice finish.
Add lemon curd: Pour the lemon curd over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread it with a spatula for an even layer. This will give the bars a lovely tangy flavor.
Add zest: Top the bars with lemon zest. This not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful presentation.
Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or until set. This waiting time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up nicely.
Slice and serve: Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing taste!
How to Serve No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
These bars can be served in a variety of ways. For a simple serving, just place them on a plate and enjoy. You can also:
- Add a dollop of extra whipped cream on top for a special touch.
- Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for added sweetness and color.
- Drizzle with some extra lemon curd for an extra burst of flavor.
These serving options make the bars look appealing and can elevate your dessert experience!
How to Store No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Storing No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars is easy. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the bars to an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated, and they should be good for up to five days. If you wish to freeze them, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Use room temperature cream cheese: This will help ensure a creamy and smooth filling without any lumps.
- Don’t skip the chilling time: The rest time in the refrigerator helps the bars firm up. If you try to cut them too soon, they may not hold together well.
- Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to suit your palate.
- Opt for homemade lemon curd: While store-bought lemon curd works perfectly fine, making your own can provide a fresher taste.
- Graham cracker substitutes: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even Oreos for a chocolate version.
Variation
- Berry-Infused Bars: You can mix in fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries into the cream cheese layer for added flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Layer: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the lemon curd. This can create a delightful chocolate-lemon combo that’s sure to please.
- Coconut Variation: Incorporate some shredded coconut into the crust for a tropical twist or top the bars with toasted coconut flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance, making them ideal for parties or gatherings. Just ensure they are properly covered and stored in the fridge.
Q: How do I know when the bars are set?
A: The bars should feel firm to the touch and shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the dish. If they feel soft, give them more time in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use a different flavor of curd?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavored curds like orange or raspberry to give the bars a different twist.
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that requires minimal fuss. With a tangy lemon flavor and a creamy texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious bars with family and friends!
Print
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and refreshing lemon cheesecake bars that are easy to prepare without baking, perfect for parties or a family dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Make the filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Incorporate whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- Add lemon curd: Pour the lemon curd over the cream cheese layer and spread it evenly.
- Add zest: Top the bars with lemon zest.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Slice and serve: Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling. Do not skip the chilling time for the best texture. Customize sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, no bake dessert, easy dessert, refreshing dessert, summer treat