Lemon Cheesecake Squares

Introduction

Lemon Cheesecake Squares are the perfect little bite of sunshine, offering a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet in every mouthful. These squares bring together the richness of cheesecake with the bright, refreshing zing of lemon, making them the ideal dessert for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust that adds a touch of crunch and a smooth, silky lemon-flavored cheesecake filling, these treats provide all the indulgence of a full cheesecake without the need for slicing and serving.

I first made these Lemon Cheesecake Squares for a summer barbecue, and they were an instant hit. Everyone loved how refreshing and light they were, yet still packed with all the creaminess you’d expect from a cheesecake. The lemon flavor is perfectly balanced—tangy enough to make each bite feel refreshing, but not overpowering. I also love how easy they are to prepare. Instead of wrestling with a traditional cheesecake, you simply make the filling, pour it over a crust, and chill. It’s a no-fuss way to serve up something truly impressive.

These squares are also versatile—you can make them ahead of time, so they’re perfect for busy gatherings, parties, or even just a quick treat for yourself. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert at a dinner party or enjoying them on a lazy afternoon, Lemon Cheesecake Squares are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re light, refreshing, and just the right amount of indulgent, making them a must-try!

Perfect for:

• Summer parties
• Picnics
• Family gatherings
• Lemon lovers
• Dessert trays

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Lemon Cheesecake Squares are bound to become your new favorite dessert:

• Tangy Lemon Flavor: The zesty lemon filling adds a refreshing tang, perfectly complementing the richness of the cheesecake.
• Easy to Serve: These squares are easy to portion out and serve, making them a practical choice for parties and gatherings.
• Crisp Graham Cracker Crust: The buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust creates a delightful contrast to the smooth cheesecake filling.
• No-Bake Option: You can choose to refrigerate the cheesecake, avoiding the need for baking, making it a no-fuss dessert.
• Perfect for Summer: The light, citrusy flavor of lemon makes these squares ideal for warm weather and sunny days.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Cheesecake Squares:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

the Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

the Topping:

• Fresh whipped cream (optional)
• Lemon slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: Provides the rich, creamy texture essential for a cheesecake filling.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of the crust, providing a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds a smooth, tangy element that complements the cream cheese.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest infuse the filling with a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Butter: Helps to bind the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a firm crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lemon Cheesecake Squares:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
2. Press the Crust into the Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized square pan. Use the back of a spoon to firmly pack the crust. Place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling:

3. Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. Add the Sour Cream, Lemon Juice, Zest, and Vanilla: Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
6. Pour the Filling into the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Cheesecake Squares:

7. Bake the Cheesecake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the cheesecake squares for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake should firm up as it cools.
8. Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled and set.

Serve and Garnish:

9. Cut the Cheesecake into Squares: Once chilled and firm, remove the cheesecake from the fridge and slice it into squares.
10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with fresh whipped cream and lemon slices or zest for a beautiful presentation. Serve chilled.

How to Serve

Lemon Cheesecake Squares are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With a Side of Berries: Serve with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to add a pop of color and sweetness.
• For a Special Occasion: These squares are perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests.
• Chilled on Hot Days: Keep them chilled and serve on warm, sunny days as a refreshing, citrusy treat.
• With a Coffee or Iced Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea to balance the sweetness and tang of the dessert.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Try garnishing with fresh mint leaves or basil for a unique flavor pairing and a beautiful presentation.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Lemon Cheesecake Squares turn out perfectly:

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give a brighter, more intense flavor than bottled juice.
• Chill Well: Allow the cheesecake to chill completely for the best texture and flavor. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for larger squares.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Lemon Cheesecake Squares:

• Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Squares: Add a blueberry compote or fresh blueberries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
• Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Squares: Use fresh strawberries for garnish or incorporate them into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Key Lime Lemon Cheesecake Squares: Replace half of the lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy key lime flavor.
• Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Squares: Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake Squares: Swirl melted chocolate into the filling for a chocolate-lemon combination.
• Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Squares: Add raspberry puree into the filling or top with raspberry compote for a sweet-tart contrast.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Squares: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cheesecake filling for a delightful texture and a slight nuttiness.
• Vegan Lemon Cheesecake Squares: Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute eggs with flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
• Lemon Almond Cheesecake Squares: Add almond extract to the filling or sprinkle crushed almonds on top for extra flavor.
• Lemon and Lavender Cheesecake Squares: Infuse the filling with dried lavender flowers for a floral note.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Lemon Cheesecake Squares can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cheesecake squares in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Lemon Cheesecake Squares easier:

• Electric Mixer: Helps to blend the cream cheese and sugar smoothly for the filling.
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: A square pan is ideal for baking these cheesecake squares.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
• Food Processor: A food processor can make quick work of turning the graham crackers into crumbs for the crust.
• Citrus Zester: A zester is perfect for extracting fresh lemon zest to add to the filling.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
   While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, store-bought lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, Lemon Cheesecake Squares can be made a day or two ahead. Just be sure to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different type of crust?
   Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a crushed Oreo or shortbread cookie crust for a different flavor.
4. Can I make these without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute the eggs with egg replacers for a vegan version, or use flax eggs if you prefer a plant-based option.
5. Can I freeze these?
   Yes, Lemon Cheesecake Squares freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

Lemon Cheesecake Squares are the perfect combination of refreshing citrus and creamy richness. The buttery graham cracker crust complements the smooth, tangy lemon cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and light. With just the right amount of zest, these squares are a delightful treat that works for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

The beauty of these squares lies in their simplicity. The easy-to-make graham cracker crust, combined with a lemony cheesecake filling, ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, these Lemon Cheesecake Squares will not disappoint.

I’d love to see how your Lemon Cheesecake Squares turn out! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Feel free to leave a comment and share any tweaks or tips you’ve tried with the recipe! Enjoy!