Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Squares

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Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Squares

If you adore the tangy-sweet magic of lemon paired with velvety cheesecake, these Lemon Cheesecake Squares will be your new favorite treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth lemon cheesecake filling, and a bright lemon glaze, these bars are refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy & zesty – The perfect balance of sweet and tart
  • No water bath needed – Simple, stress-free baking
  • Perfect for sharing – Great for picnics, parties, or gifting
  • Make-ahead friendly – Chills beautifully for flawless slices

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended!):

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For Garnish:

  • Lemon slices
  • Whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep & Preheat

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Crust

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Bake & Chill

  1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center has a slight jiggle.
  3. Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Add Lemon Glaze & Slice

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over the chilled cheesecake, then cut into squares.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Squares

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a silky-smooth filling.
  • Don’t overbake – the center should still wobble slightly when shaken.
  • For extra tang, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
  • Pair with iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing treat.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cheesecake Squares are bright, creamy, and utterly irresistible—the kind of dessert that makes any day feel special. Make a batch today and watch them disappear!

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