Lemon Bar Cheesecake Recipe

June 8, 2025 Todd Recipes, Dessert Recipes Comments Off on Lemon Bar Cheesecake Recipe

Lemon Bar Cheesecake

Bright, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor—this Lemon Bar Cheesecake is the ultimate mashup of two beloved desserts. You get the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the tangy punch of a lemon bar, all layered over a buttery shortbread crust. It’s sunshine in dessert form! 🍋

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Perfect for spring brunches, Easter, summer parties, or whenever you need something that’s equal parts refreshing and decadent.

🍋 Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Curd Topping (optional but amazing):

  • ½ cup lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 4 tbsp butter

🛒 Shop Essentials

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 pan with parchment.
  2. Combine flour and sugar, then cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
  3. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden.

2. Make the Cheesecake

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
  3. Pour over cooled crust and smooth out.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely.

3. Add Lemon Curd (Optional)

  1. Whisk lemon juice, eggs, yolk, and sugar over medium heat until thickened.
  2. Stir in butter. Let cool, then spread over cheesecake layer.
  3. Chill for 3+ hours, then cut into bars.

🌞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✅ Sweet, tangy, and ultra-refreshing
  • ✅ Great for brunch, Mother’s Day, or summer BBQs
  • ✅ A beautiful layered dessert with big citrus flavor
  • ✅ Easy to make ahead and freeze

💡 Variations

  • Berry Swirl: Add a swirl of raspberry jam before baking
  • Graham Cracker Base: Swap shortbread for graham cracker crust
  • Whipped Cream Topping: Add just before serving for a lighter finish
  • Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for single-serve versions

📦 Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freeze bars (without lemon curd) for up to 2 months
  • Top with lemon curd after thawing for best texture

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💬 Reader Reviews

“These were the hit of our Easter brunch! I love that they’re tangy but creamy—absolutely delicious.” – Kelsey M.

“The lemon curd layer is amazing. It really adds that punch of flavor on top!” – Drew F.

🍋 How to Serve Lemon Bar Cheesecake for Maximum Impact

This dessert isn’t just tasty—it’s visually stunning when served with a few simple upgrades.

🍽️ Dress It Up for Events

Cut your cheesecake bars into clean, even squares using a warm knife (dip in hot water and dry between cuts). Plate individually with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or white chocolate ganache for a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery.

Top with:

  • Candied lemon peel

  • Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries)

  • A tiny mint leaf for contrast

  • A sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving

These details take your bars from casual snack to elegant dinner party centerpiece.

💛 Great for Gifting

Use a bakery box or clear cellophane wrap to package 4–6 bars. Add a ribbon and handwritten tag that says something like “Sending you sunshine!” These are perfect for:

  • Mother’s Day treats

  • Brunch or potluck gifts

  • Teacher appreciation weeks

  • Housewarming desserts

🌼 Seasonal Styling & Ideas

Lemon Bar Cheesecake fits into so many seasonal events. Here’s how to style it to match:

  • Spring Showers: Serve with edible flowers like pansies or violets on top.

  • Easter: Decorate the top with pastel sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates.

  • Summer BBQs: Pair with iced tea or lemonade and serve chilled in cupcake liners for easy transport.

  • Graduation Parties: Use lemon zest or icing to write the grad year on each square.

Want to make a lemon lover’s dessert board? Pair these bars with lemon cookies, lemon curd dip, lemon cupcakes, and lemon drop candies for a full citrus spread.

🧁 Easy Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

These bars are perfect for planning ahead. Here’s how to get the best results:

Refrigerate

  • Store bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers.

  • Best enjoyed within 4–5 days for peak texture.

Freeze

  • Slice before freezing so you can pull out individual bars as needed.

  • Wrap each bar in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

  • To thaw: place in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 30–60 minutes.

Pro tip: Add the lemon curd layer after thawing for the freshest taste and appearance.

🍰 Variations to Try Next Time

Make your Lemon Bar Cheesecake your own with these flavor upgrades:

🌺 Lavender Lemon Cheesecake

Add ½ tsp culinary lavender (ground or steeped in cream) to the filling for a floral twist.

🍓 Strawberry Lemon Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam into the cheesecake layer before baking and swirl for a pop of color and flavor.

🍪 Lemon Oreo Crust

Crush lemon-flavored Oreos for the crust instead of shortbread or graham crackers. Adds extra lemon punch and sweetness.

🍊 Orange or Lime Swap

Don’t have lemons? Try this recipe with fresh lime juice and zest for a tart twist—or use orange juice for a milder, sweeter citrus dessert.