why make this recipe
Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that offers a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors. Using Greek yogurt adds a healthy twist, making these bars lighter while still being rich and satisfying. The lemon zest and juice bring a refreshing brightness, making them a great choice for any occasion. Plus, they are easy to make and great for sharing with family and friends!
how to make Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar or sweetener of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 graham cracker sheets, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
how to serve Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars
To serve Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars, cut them into squares and place them on a clean plate. You can garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh berries if you like. They are perfect for a dessert at dinner, a sweet treat for lunchboxes, or a refreshing snack anytime!
how to store Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cut them into bars only after they have chilled properly to keep them looking neat and appetizing.
tips to make Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip chilling the bars; this helps them set properly and enhances the flavors.
variation
You can add other flavors to your cheesecake bars. Try adding some fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the filling before baking, or swirl in a bit of fruit puree for a different twist!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used to make the bars a bit lighter while still tasting delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or a nut-based crust instead of regular graham crackers.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges look set, but the center is still a tiny bit jiggly. They will firm up as they cool in the fridge.
Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Delightful cheesecake bars with a creamy and tangy flavor, using Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar or sweetener of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 graham cracker sheets, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.
- Mix together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheesecake, Greek yogurt, dessert, lemon, healthy dessert
