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Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lemon Cheesecake Bars: A Light and Zesty Delight

These Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a healthier blend of tart lemon flavor and creamy richness, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 156
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup Graham Crackers Can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits
  • 5 Tbsp Unsalted Butter Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option
For the Filling
  • 8 oz 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese Neufchâtel cheese can be substituted
  • 1 cup Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt Can substitute with regular yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Can replace with honey or a sugar alternative
  • 1 large Egg Also use 1 egg white; for egg-free version, use cornstarch
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor balance
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest Vital for that zing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can be an alternative
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be used for variation
  • 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour Substitute with almond or oat flour for gluten-free

Equipment

  • oven
  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Food processor
  • mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lightly coating it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground and add melted unsalted butter. Blend until crumbly and press into the baking pan. Bake for 6-7 minutes.
  3. Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and let the crust cool slightly. Beat cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add Greek yogurt, sugar, and salt to cream cheese and mix until smooth. Incorporate egg and egg white, followed by lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  5. Sift in the flour and mix just until combined without overmixing to keep the filling light and fluffy.
  6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into squares.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar or add fresh whipped cream before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 50mg

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture. Avoid overbaking to keep bars creamy; the center should be slightly jiggly when removed from oven. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor.

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