Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you are looking for a luscious, tangy, and utterly delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, these Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars are going to steal your heart. They combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the vibrant, fragrant zing of Meyer lemons, creating a treat that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re serving these bars at a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, they capture that perfect balance of sweet and tart with a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth, swirled lemon curd topping that’s irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars lies in their simple, thoughtful ingredients that each play a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery crust made with lemon or vanilla wafer cookies to the fresh Meyer lemon juice that adds that special burst of citrus, every component is essential for a balanced and indulgent final bite.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the curd and cheesecake filling, balancing the lemon’s tartness.
• Finely grated lemon zest: Provides an aromatic citrus perfume that brightens the entire bar.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the lemon curd for a smooth, silky texture.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness (optional if using salted butter).
• Large eggs (room temperature): Bind and set the cheesecake and curd perfectly.
• Fresh Meyer lemon juice: The signature tart and floral flavor that defines this recipe.
• Butter (salted or unsalted): Adds richness and moisture to the crust and curd.
• Lemon or vanilla wafer cookies: Base for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
• Full fat cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy heart of the cheesecake layer.
• Sour cream (room temperature): Brings moisture and tang to the filling, keeping it smooth.
• All-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake texture without drying it out.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor.
• Lemon curd: The luscious swirl topping that delivers intense lemon flavor and a beautiful marbled effect.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

First things first, take some time to make the lemon curd, which is the crowning glory of these cheesecake bars. Rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar to unlock those essential oils bursting with fragrance. Whisk in cornstarch, salt, and egg until smooth, then add fresh Meyer lemon juice. Gently heat the mixture on low, whisking constantly until thickened to a silky custard consistency. Stir in the butter, strain to smooth out any lumps, and set it aside to cool. This curd can be made ahead of time and chilled, but bring it to room temperature before swirling into your cheesecake batter for the best results.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Next up is the crunchy crust that forms the perfect base for our cheesecake bars. Crush lemon or vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand, then combine them with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8-inch pan, then give it a quick bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. This pre-bake sets the crust and gives it a toasty flavor that balances the creamy cheesecake layers wonderfully.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

While the crust cools slightly and the oven temperature lowers, it’s time to make the cheesecake filling. Rub sugar with lemon zest in a mixing bowl to release the fragrances, then add room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla. Blend until smooth using a food processor or mixer, then carefully incorporate the eggs, mixing just enough to combine without adding too much air. This gentle mixing ensures the filling bakes up creamy and dense, not airy or cracked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your luscious cheesecake batter over the warm crust and smooth the surface. Spoon dollops of the cooled lemon curd across the top, and using a toothpick or skewer, swirl it gently into the cheesecake layer creating beautiful marbled patterns. Pop the pan back into the oven set at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 28 to 33 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly to the touch. Once out, cool the bars completely before chilling them in the refrigerator to finish setting.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

With the bars fully chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares with a warm, clean knife for the cleanest cuts. These Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them a refreshing and indulgent treat.

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light scattering of finely grated lemon zest intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a pretty finishing touch. For an extra touch of elegance, add a few thinly sliced Meyer lemon rounds or a sprig of fresh mint on top—these small additions make the presentation irresistible.

Side Dishes

The brightness of Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars pairs beautifully with light, fruity sides. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, complement the lemon flavor perfectly, adding natural sweetness and a pop of color. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate these bars into a truly decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gathering, consider serving individual squares on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a swirl of whipped cream. You can also layer these bars with fresh fruit and whipped cream in transparent jars or glasses for a beautiful twist on a classic cheesecake dessert. Their sturdy yet tender texture makes them a breeze to transport and display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars stay moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lasting up to five days. Keep them chilled until serving for the best texture and taste, and cover them tightly to prevent absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars over a longer period, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bar separately in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their creamy texture.

Reheating

While Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer to serve them slightly warm, let them sit out at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and melt the beautiful lemon curd swirl.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Absolutely! While Meyer lemons provide a sweeter, more floral note, regular lemons can work if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember they are more tart and acidic, so you might want to reduce the lemon juice slightly or balance with a bit more sugar in the curd and cheesecake layers.

Do I have to make lemon curd from scratch?

Making your own lemon curd is rewarding because it gives you fresh, vibrant flavor and perfect consistency, but you can use store-bought lemon curd if you’re short on time. Just soften it a bit before swirling into the cheesecake to make swirling easier.

Why should cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream be at room temperature?

Room temperature ingredients blend much more smoothly, helping avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter. It also helps prevent cracks or an uneven texture during baking, ensuring a silky, creamy bar every time.

How can I tell when the bars are fully baked?

Look for set edges and a center that slightly jiggles but is not liquidy. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools, so some gentle movement in the middle is perfect before chilling.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the lemon or vanilla wafer cookies in the crust with your favorite gluten-free option, and double-check that the other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The rest of the recipe doesn’t contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that feels like a little slice of sunshine, you really can’t go wrong with Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Their bright, creamy flavor combined with a buttery crust will quickly make them a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself dreaming up all kinds of occasions just to bake them again. So gather those ingredients, get mixing, and enjoy every luscious bite!

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