These No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars deliver a bright, tangy lemon flavor atop a perfectly firm, buttery crust. They are simple to make and taste just like a cherished vacation memory.
Author:Eleanor Langley
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:4 hours 15 minutes
Yield:16 bars
Category:Dessert
Method:No Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl.
Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbs are evenly moistened.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This makes removal easy later.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and creamy.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until the filling is uniform. The mixture will thicken as you add the juice.
Spread the lemon filling evenly over the prepared crust.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are completely set and firm.
Lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan before slicing.
Cut into squares and serve cold.
Notes
For an extra firm crust, place the crust layer in the freezer for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best, brightest flavor. Bottled juice changes the taste.
If you prefer a slightly softer bar, chill for 3 hours instead of 4.