Light Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

These light lemon cheesecake bars are the ideal dessert for lemon enthusiasts. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy Neufchatel cheese filling, and a tangy lemon glaze, they're both refreshing and indulgent. The recipe comes together with minimal effort, allowing you to create a treat that’s perfect for gatherings or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. With hints of vanilla and a bright lemon flavor, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that disappear quickly. Serve them chilled for the ultimate dessert experience!

Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:57:58 GMT
A plate of lemon squares with lemon wedges on top. Pin it
A plate of lemon squares with lemon wedges on top. | zestplate.com

This light lemon cheesecake bar recipe delivers the perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy sweetness on a buttery graham cracker crust. It satisfies that dessert craving without being overly heavy, making it ideal for spring gatherings or summer picnics.

I first made these bars for a family gathering when I needed something that would please both the cheesecake lovers and the citrus enthusiasts. Everyone asked for the recipe, and now they've become my signature dessert for spring and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Graham crackers: Form the perfect crisp, buttery base that complements the tangy filling
  • Neufchatel cheese: Creates a lighter texture than traditional cream cheese while maintaining creaminess
  • Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tanginess while reducing the overall fat content
  • Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness without refined sugar in the filling
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest: Deliver bright, authentic citrus flavor
  • Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet glaze that balances the tartness of the lemon

How To Make Light Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Prepare the crust:
Place graham crackers and melted butter in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers but not be overly wet. Press firmly into the parchment-lined baking dish to create an even layer, and bake until lightly golden and fragrant.
Mix the filling:
Beat the softened Neufchatel cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps in your final product. Add yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, zest, and salt, mixing thoroughly between additions. The filling should be silky smooth with visible lemon zest throughout.
Bake to perfection:
Pour the filling onto the cooled crust and bake until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking as this can cause cracks and a dry texture. The cheesecake will continue setting as it cools.
Chill thoroughly:
Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. A minimum of one hour in the refrigerator helps develop flavors and ensures clean slices.
Add the finishing touch:
Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the chilled bars just before serving for an extra burst of lemony sweetness.
A plate of lemon squares with lemon wedges on the side. Pin it
A plate of lemon squares with lemon wedges on the side. | zestplate.com

The fresh lemon zest is my secret weapon in this recipe. I always zest my lemons before juicing them, and I love watching guests try to identify that bright, aromatic quality that elevates these bars beyond ordinary cheesecake. My grandmother always said a good lemon dessert should make your mouth pucker just slightly before the sweetness follows.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These cheesecake bars actually improve with a longer chill time, making them perfect for preparing a day before your event. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. I recommend adding the glaze just before serving for the freshest appearance and flavor. If you need to store them longer, these bars freeze beautifully for up to three months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag.

A slice of lemon cheesecake with white powder on top. Pin it
A slice of lemon cheesecake with white powder on top. | zestplate.com

Perfect Substitutions

If you prefer a more traditional dessert, regular cream cheese works perfectly in place of Neufchatel. For a dairy-free version, plant-based cream cheese substitutes well, though the texture may be slightly different. The maple syrup can be replaced with honey or regular granulated sugar if preferred. I have found that lime juice and zest create an equally delicious variation when you want something different. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or a mixture of almond flour and melted butter for the crust.

Serving Suggestions

These lemon cheesecake bars shine when served with fresh berries, particularly blueberries or raspberries, which complement the citrus notes beautifully. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an elegant touch for special occasions. For an extra special presentation, garnish with thin lemon slices or small sprigs of mint. I love serving these bars slightly chilled but not cold from the refrigerator, as this allows the flavors to fully develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese as a substitute for Neufchatel cheese. The bars will have a slightly richer flavor and texture.

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

→ Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?

Absolutely! You can use a different type of cookie crust, such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers, for a unique flavor.

→ How should I store leftover bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Light Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Luscious lemon bars with creamy filling and tangy glaze.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
80 Minutes
Total Time
100 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (9 cheesecake bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 9 graham crackers
02 1/4 cup melted butter

→ Cheesecake Bars

03 2 blocks Neufchatel cheese, softened
04 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
05 1/2 cup maple syrup
06 2 eggs
07 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 1/4 cup lemon juice
09 2 tsp lemon zest
10 Pinch of salt

→ Lemon Glaze

11 1 cup powdered sugar
12 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 (20x20 cm) baking dish with 2 rectangles of parchment paper hanging over the edges for easy lifting and apply nonstick spray.

Step 02

In a food processor, blend graham crackers and melted butter until fine crumbles form. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.

Step 03

Using a stand or hand mixer, blend together Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Use an immersion blender if necessary to ensure smoothness.

Step 04

Pour the cheesecake batter onto the cooled crust in the baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheesecake is slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool on the counter for 45 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cheesecake, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into squares before serving.

Notes

  1. Ensure the cheesecake is fully cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • 8×8 (20x20 cm) baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • May contain gluten from graham crackers.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 5 g