Sunshine Squares Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook to Sunshine
Ever get that craving for something tart, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying? These Cheesecake Lemon Bars are your answer. They're like sunshine on a plate.
Honestly, what could be better? This Lemon Curd Dessert delivers a puckering bite of lemon.
Brief Overview of This Dessert
The beauty of Lemon Cheesecake Bars lies in their simplicity. They hail from the classic dessert bar family. It's a medium difficulty bake.
The prep will take around 25 minutes. Baking takes 35- 40 minutes, but it's worth it. The recipe yields 16 zesty cheesecake squares .
Main Benefits of This Recipe
These aren't just any old Lemon dessert bars . The lemon offers Vitamin C. These Sunshine Squares recipe are a mood booster.
They're perfect for afternoon tea or a summer gathering. What sets this recipe apart? It's the shortbread crust combined with the creamy cheesecake filling.
Diving into Deliciousness: The Ingredients
These Lemon shortbread bars boast simple ingredients. We start with the shortbread crust. Next, comes the tangy lemon cheesecake filling.
I remember the first time I made this. I almost forgot the lemon zest! Don’t make my mistake. Cream cheese lemon bars are a total win.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for these Sunshine Squares , or as I like to call them, Zesty Cheesecake Squares .
Honestly, the lemon cheesecake bars are easier than you think. We’ll go through everything, bit by bit. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds.
The Building Blocks of Lemon Bliss
Here’s what you’ll need for the shortbread crust:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks, 170g) cold, cubed butter.
- ¼ teaspoon salt.
For the lemony, cheesecake-y filling, you'll want:
- Two (8 ounce/225g each) packages cream cheese, softened. Quality cream cheese is key!
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar.
- 2 large eggs.
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream.
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice. Fresh juice is the best for lemon curd dessert but bottled will do in a pinch.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest. This is from about two large lemons.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
And for a little extra touch, optional of course:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Seasoning Shenanigans & Flavour Boosters
For that perfect Lemon Cheesecake zing, lemon zest is your best mate. It adds all the aroma. Vanilla extract mellows things out nicely.
If you are in a pinch, use a dash of lemon extract. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the crust.
I once added a tiny bit of lavender; mind blowing!
Tools of the Trade (No Need to Go Fancy)
You'll need these to make this Lemon Bars Recipe :
- A 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Parchment paper or foil.
- Mixing bowls.
- An electric mixer. You can mix by hand if you want, but, honestly, save your arms.
- A lemon zester. Microplanes are great if you have one.
- A lemon juicer. Unless you want to pick seeds out all day.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A rubber spatula.
- A rolling pin. This is optional, but handy.
Don't have parchment paper? Foil works just fine. No lemon zester? A fine grater will do the job. Remember Lemon Shortbread bars don't need perfect equipment, just a little love!
Mastering the Bake: Cheesecake Lemon Bars
Oh my gosh, you have to try these Cheesecake Lemon Bars . Seriously. Think sunshine in a square. A zingy Lemon Curd Dessert that's also got that lush Cheesecake Lemon vibe.
I call them Sunshine Squares Recipe , and for good reason! I always feel good making and eating these!
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place : Get everything measured out. Honestly, it saves a mountain of time. Cold butter cubed, cream cheese softened…you know the drill.
Time saving organization tips : Line your 9x13 inch pan with parchment or foil before you even start. Makes life so much easier when it's time to lift the bars out.
Trust me on this one!
Safety reminders: No one wants a soggy bottom! Make sure your oven is at the right temperature, to protect you and your bake.
step-by-step to Zesty Cheesecake Squares
- Crust Time: Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press into the pan. Prick with a fork.
- Chill Out: Chill the crust for at least 1 hour . This is crucial !
- Pre-Bake: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 20 minutes until golden.
- Filling Power: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, cream, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Bake Again: Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 20- 25 minutes until just set.
- Cool & Chill: Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours .
Expert Tricks for the Best Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Cold Butter is King : Using very cold butter in the crust helps create a perfect flaky crust.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the filling can make the cheesecake crack. Gently combine those ingredients.
- Slice and Serve : Cut your Lemon Bars Recipe into perfect squares after chilling.
So, are you ready to try this wonderful Lemon Cheesecake ? This recipe for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars is the best way to create Lemon shortbread bars .
With one bite, your zesty cheesecake squares will be a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Recipe Notes for Perfect Sunshine Squares
Alright, let's talk shop! These Cheesecake Lemon Bars are pretty straightforward. Honestly, anyone can make these beauties. But, a few pointers never hurt, yeah?
Plating and Presentation: Look at this beauties!
Presentation is key, innit? Cut these Lemon Cheesecake Bars into neat squares. A light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance.
For a pop of color, add fresh berries on top. They look great with a sprig of mint too!
For a fancier touch, try piping a small dollop of whipped cream on each bar. They're perfect for afternoon tea or a summery dessert table.
Complementary Sides and Drinks: Make it a proper feast!
These Lemon Dessert Bars are brilliant with a cup of tea. Earl Grey or a light herbal tea works wonders. A glass of chilled Prosecco also elevates the experience.
If you want a side, a simple fruit salad is spot on. A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Absolutely!
Storage Tips: Keep those Zesty Cheesecake Squares fresh!
Leftovers? As if ! But if you do, store them in the fridge. An airtight container is your best bet. They'll happily last for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing them? Go for it! Wrap them individually in cling film. Then pop them into a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to a month.
Defrost in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating? Not needed!
These Lemon Shortbread Bars are best served cold. No need to reheat. In fact, reheating might make them a bit soggy. And nobody wants soggy bottoms, right?
Adaptations: Let's talk options!
Got allergies? No worries! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. There are great blends available these days.
Want to cut down on dairy? Try using a dairy-free cream cheese. The texture might be slightly different. But it'll still taste blooming delicious.
Seasonal Swaps: Play with the seasons!
In winter, try adding a pinch of ginger to the crust. Warms things up nicely. For autumn, a hint of cinnamon is lovely.
Summer? Stick with the Lemon Cheesecake ! It's bright and refreshing, the perfect Lemon Curd Dessert .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in every bite!
Each bar has roughly 280 calories. Plus 5 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat. They also have 25 grams of carbs, including 15 grams of sugar.
The lemon provides a lovely dose of vitamin C. Cream Cheese Lemon Bars offer a good dose of calcium. Not bad for a Lemon Bars Recipe , eh?
So there you have it! Everything you need to make these Cheesecake Lemon Bars a resounding success. Go on, give it a go! I reckon you'll absolutely nail it.
I'm sure that these Sunshine Squares recipe will become your favorite.
Enjoy those delicious Zesty cheesecake squares!
Frequently Asked Questions
My Cheesecake Lemon Bars filling cracked! What did I do wrong?
Crikey! Cracking usually happens when the cheesecake filling is overbaked or experiences a sudden temperature change. Make sure you don't overbake it the center should still be slightly jiggly when you take it out. Also, let the Cheesecake Lemon Bars cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.
Think of it like a delicate soufflé; patience is key!
Can I make these Cheesecake Lemon Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Sunshine Squares are actually better the next day, as the flavours have a chance to meld together beautifully. Just make sure you chill them thoroughly (at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal) before cutting.
They'll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly, which makes them perfect for a cheeky little bake off prep.
Can I freeze Cheesecake Lemon Bars?
Yes, you can! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. They might lose a tiny bit of their perfect texture, but they'll still be a right treat!
My shortbread crust is tough. How can I make it more tender?
A tough crust usually means the gluten in the flour has been overdeveloped. Be careful not to overwork the dough when combining the ingredients. Also, make sure you're using cold butter this prevents the gluten from developing too much.
Finally, docking the crust (pricking it with a fork) before baking helps prevent it from puffing up and becoming tough.
What if I don't have fresh lemons for these Cheesecake Lemon Bars? Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemons are always best for that bright, zesty flavour, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavour won't be quite as vibrant. If you're using bottled juice, consider adding a little extra lemon zest to compensate.
It's a bit like using tea bags instead of loose leaf still gets the job done, but not quite the same!
I'm on a diet. Are there any ways to make these Sunshine Squares a bit healthier?
Right, watching the waistline, eh? You could try using a light cream cheese or reducing the amount of sugar slightly. Also, consider using a whole wheat flour for the crust (though it will change the texture a bit).
You could also reduce the serving size; smaller squares will satisfy that sweet craving without as many calories. But remember, everything in moderation it's a treat after all!
Sunshine Squares Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0g |
