Imagine biting into a luscious square of lemon cheesecake that dances on your taste buds, blending creamy, tangy goodness with the perfect hint of sweetness. This delightful treat is like sunshine on a plate, and trust me, after one bite, you’ll find yourself floating in a citrus cloud of happiness. perfect refreshing dessert option indulge in a sweet dessert Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, Lemon Cheesecake Squares are here to save the day. a hearty meal option. You might also enjoy this caramel toffee crunch cake recipe.
Let’s not forget about the memories this dish can create. Picture yourself in the kitchen, mixing up a storm while friends and family gather around, eagerly anticipating that first taste. These squares have been the star of many gatherings, leaving everyone begging for the recipe and swearing they could devour an entire tray solo. a savory main dish pairing Buckle up for a deliciously fun ride as we whip up these zesty delights!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Lemon Cheesecake Squares are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level. The bright flavors will refresh your palate and impress your guests. Their stunning appearance will make them the centerpiece of any dessert table. They are versatile enough to serve at picnics, parties, or simply as a sweet treat at home.[/info_box]
I still remember the first time I made these squares—my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a smooth crust; homemade or store-bought both work well.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives richness to the crust; make sure it’s fresh for best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling; adjust based on personal preference.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling; opt for full-fat for creamier texture.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to balance sweetness; choose full-fat for extra creaminess.
Fresh Lemons: Grate zest and juice for maximum fresh flavor; always go for juicy ones!
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together; room temperature eggs blend better into the mixture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor depth; pure extract is preferred for authenticity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until well mixed. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form a solid base.
Bake the Crust: Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly while you prepare the filling—your kitchen should smell heavenly by now.
Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy. Incorporate sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract while mixing until everything is perfectly blended.
Add the Eggs: Gently add room temperature eggs one at a time into your creamy mixture. Make sure each egg is well incorporated before adding another—this step creates that dreamy texture we all crave.
Bake Until Set**: Pour your luscious filling over the cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until edges are slightly firm but center still has a slight jiggle—don’t worry; it will set as it cools!
Cool and Chill**: Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours (or overnight if you’re patient). This waiting game is crucial because chilling enhances flavors while firming up those squares beautifully.
Enjoy every bite of these delightful Lemon Cheesecake Squares!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Lemon cheesecake squares combine tangy zest with creamy richness, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. These treats are perfect for gatherings, bringing smiles and satisfied cravings with every bite. Make sure to chill them well for the best texture and flavor! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust, then mix the filling while it bakes. This timing ensures that everything comes together seamlessly, resulting in an evenly baked dessert.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate on top for an extra flavor boost. You can also swap out lemon for lime if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemon cheesecake squares in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste even better after chilling overnight, but avoid reheating to maintain their texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect lemon cheesecake squares, use room temperature ingredients for a smoother filling. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks on the surface. Lastly, let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges and that beautiful presentation. [/info_box]
The first time I made lemon cheesecake squares, my friends devoured them in minutes! Their compliments made me feel like a baking rock star; I knew I had struck dessert gold. For more inspiration, check out this brownie bottom mini cheesecakes recipe.
FAQ
What makes lemon cheesecake squares different from regular cheesecake?
Lemon cheesecake squares feature a bright citrus flavor that adds a refreshing twist to classic cheesecake.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice works, fresh lemons offer superior flavor and aroma in this recipe.
How long can I store lemon cheesecake squares?
These delightful treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days without losing quality.
Lemon Cheesecake Squares
Indulge in the bright and creamy goodness of Lemon Cheesecake Squares. This delightful dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious lemon cream filling, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these squares are sure to impress. With an easy preparation process, you’ll have a deliciously refreshing treat ready to share in no time!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- Zest and juice of 2 large fresh lemons
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until golden. Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add remaining sugar; mix until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time until fully blended.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Cool at room temperature then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 82g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 204mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For an extra flavor boost, top with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Substitute lime juice and zest for a tropical twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
