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no-bake lemon cheesecake bars - featured image

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars


  • Author: Nadia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

A light, tangy, and ridiculously easy 5-ingredient dessert that requires no baking. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a fancy treat without the effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham crackers, crushed
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whipped cream, optional for topping
  • Extra lemon zest and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs with melted butter and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
  3. In a large bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Beat until fully combined and creamy.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until light and airy. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Remove from fridge, lift bars out using parchment overhang, and cut into 9 or 12 bars. Garnish with extra lemon zest and mint if desired.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Keep heavy cream cold for best whipping results. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22
  • Sodium: 180
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: no-bake, lemon cheesecake, easy dessert, 5-ingredient, summer dessert, crowd-pleaser, quick dessert