Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

These Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars are a heavenly treat that combines creamy, tangy cheesecake filling with a buttery oat crumble. Perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks, these bars will surely impress your friends and family. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a delightful dessert that stands out in any dessert spread.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crumb Crust & Topping:
• For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
• How to Make Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Mixture
• Step 3: Create the Crust
• Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
• Step 5: Assemble the Bars
• Step 6: Bake Again
• Step 7: Cool Down Before Serving
• How to Serve Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars
• Individual Servings
• With Whipped Cream
• Alongside Ice Cream
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars
• Reheating Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars are done?
• Can I substitute other flavors for lemon?
• How should I serve these bars?
• Can I make these bars ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps and minimal prep time make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Deliciously Balanced Flavors: Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and tart with fresh lemon juice and creamy cheese.
• Versatile Serving Options: These crumb bars are great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a treat at home.
• Make Ahead Option: They can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them ideal for busy schedules.
• Satisfying Texture: The contrast between the smooth cheesecake and the crunchy crumb topping provides a delightful eating experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delicious bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating those tasty layers.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This helps combine the ingredients quickly and uniformly, ensuring your crust is perfectly crumbly.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan provides ample space for even baking of your crumb bars.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing different components without mess.

Ingredients

For the Crumb Crust & Topping:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 1 cup cold butter, sliced
• 1 ½ cups oats

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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How to Make Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with greased aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Mixture

In a food processor, pulse together the flour and brown sugar until well mixed.
* Add the cold butter slices and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly.
* Next, add in the oats and pulse again until just combined.

Step 3: Create the Crust

Reserve 1 ½ cups of the crumb mixture for topping later.
Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan evenly, packing it lightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
Mix in milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust evenly.
Sprinkle your reserved crumb mixture over the top gently pressing it down slightly.

Step 6: Bake Again

Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until you see a light browning on top.

Step 7: Cool Down Before Serving

Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

These Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or simply as a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress your guests.

Individual Servings

• Serve each bar on a small plate for an elegant presentation.
• Pair with fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture.
• Garnish with lemon zest for an extra zing.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast.
• Try different ice cream flavors, like lemon sorbet, for a refreshing twist.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include the bars on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies and brownies.
• This variety will cater to different taste preferences at gatherings.

How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars, keep these tips in mind:

• Chill the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: When incorporating eggs into the cheesecake mixture, mix just until combined to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracks.
• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest instead of bottled varieties. The freshness makes a noticeable difference.
• Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
• Store Properly: Keep the cheesecake crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional flavors like almond extract or different citrus zests for unique variations.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

These Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their tangy sweetness. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness that balances the richness of the bars.
2. Minted Yogurt: Serve plain yogurt mixed with fresh mint as a cool, creamy contrast to the dessert’s flavors.
3. Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet enhances the citrus notes in the bars while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
4. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle rich chocolate ganache over each bar for a decadent touch that contrasts beautifully with lemon’s tartness.
5. Pistachio Crumble: Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top for added crunch and flavor depth.
6. Homemade Granola: A small serving of granola next to each bar adds texture and pairs well with its creamy nature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final product.

• Using warm cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in the mixture.
• Overmixing the filling: Mix just until combined to keep the cheesecake creamy. Overmixing can introduce air and cause cracks during baking.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting is essential. Cutting too soon can result in messy slices.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring tools for flour and sugar. Incorrect measurements can alter texture and taste.
• Neglecting to grease the pan: Greasing or lining the baking pan prevents sticking and makes removing the bars easier once baked.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars are done?

The bars are done when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I substitute other flavors for lemon?

Yes! You can use lime juice or orange juice for different flavors while maintaining the same basic recipe.

How should I serve these bars?

These Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars are delightful as they are, but you can also serve them with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra flair.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars stay fresh in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by using different citrus fruits or adding toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate drizzle. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!

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