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Easter Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A creamy cheesecake layer on top of a graham cracker base. Topped with lemon curd and mini chocolate eggs.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Refrigeration Time:4 hours
Total Time4 hours 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon, cheesecake, easter

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs *see notes
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) butter melted

For the lemon cheesecake:

  • 2 8oz blocks (2x225g) full-fat cream cheese room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

To decorate:

  • lemon curd
  • mini chocolate eggs I used Walkers brand

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, grease with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, stir the crushed graham crackers and melted butter together, until combined. Press mixture into the pan in an even layer. Bake for 5 minutes then set aside.
  • In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or a hand-held mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth & creamy. Add sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed until well-combined.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating between each addition. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread into an even layer.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is almost set. It will firm up as it cools.
  • Remove from the oven & cool completely on a wire rack before covering with plastic wrap and placing in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
  • After chilling, use the foil overhang to lift out the cheesecake bars from the pan. Place on a cutting board and using a large, sharp knife, slice cheesecake into bars. Wipe knife with a paper towel between each cut. Place a dollop of lemon curd on top of each bar. Decorate with mini chocolate eggs.

Notes

  1. If you can't find graham crackers, Digestive biscuits make a good substitute.
  2. Easter Lemon Cheesecake Bars will keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  3. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. First, place the cheesecake (sliced or not) in the freezer on a freezer-friendly plate uncovered until completely firm. Remove from freezer and wrap cheesecake bars in aluminum foil, then place into a freezer bag and seal.  When ready to serve, remove the foil and allow to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.