Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars – Easy Creamy Dessert Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to brighten your kitchen with a dessert that tastes like pure sunshine? There’s something truly special about the combination of buttery crumbs and silky lemon filling — it’s the kind of treat that feels both comforting and refreshing at the same time. If you love desserts that strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, you’re in for a real delight today. 🍋✨

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

These lemon cheesecake crumb bars are inspired by classic American bake sale favorites — simple, approachable, and made with everyday ingredients. They feature a golden, buttery crumb crust that doubles as a topping, sandwiching a luscious layer of creamy lemon cheesecake filling. The bright citrus flavor cuts beautifully through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s indulgent yet refreshing.

Perfect for family gatherings, spring celebrations, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon treat with tea, these bars are easy to prepare and even easier to love. No complicated techniques, no water baths — just straightforward baking and reliable results. Let’s get started and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh lemon and warm butter.

Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Ingredients

For the Crumb Crust & Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh lemon slices or zest curls

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Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the egg until the mixture begins to clump together but still remains crumbly.
5. Reserve about 1 ½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
6. Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, just until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
7. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. Add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
9. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
10. Add the flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing.
11. Pour the lemon cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
12. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
13. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
14. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the cheesecake layer firm up beautifully.
15. Lift from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 40 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)

⚡ Calories per serving: 340
🍽️ Servings: 12 bars

Estimated per serving:

• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 180mg

These lemon cheesecake crumb bars are rich and satisfying, with a refreshing citrus twist that keeps them from feeling too heavy. For a lighter touch, you can serve smaller squares — a little goes a long way with such creamy goodness. 🍋💛

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!