If you adore the tangy-sweet magic of lemon paired with velvety cheesecake, these Lemon Cheesecake Squares are your new obsession! With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth lemon cheesecake filling, and a bright lemon glaze, these bars are refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✅ Creamy & zesty – The perfect balance of sweet and tart!
✅ No water bath needed – Simple, stress-free baking.
✅ Perfect for sharing – Great for picnics, parties, or gifting.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Chills beautifully for flawless slices.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened

• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅓ cup (80ml) sour cream

• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended!):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

For Garnish:

• Lemon slices

• Whipped cream

•  

   

---

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Prep & Preheat

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

• Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper (for easy lifting).

2. Make the Crust

1. Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.

2. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom.

3. Bake for 8-10 mins, then cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese + sugar until smooth.

2. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.

4. Bake & Chill

1. Pour filling over crust and bake for 25-30 mins (center should jiggle slightly).

2. Cool at room temp for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 4+ hours (overnight is best!).

5. Add Lemon Glaze & Slice

1. Whisk powdered sugar + lemon juice + zest until smooth.

2. Drizzle over chilled cheesecake, then cut into squares.

---

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Squares 🔥

✔ Use room-temperature ingredients for a silky filling.
✔ Don’t overbake – The center should still wobble slightly when shaken.
✔ For extra tang, add 1 tbsp more lemon juice to the filling.

✔ Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 5 days (if they last that long!).

---

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

✨ With fresh berries – Strawberries or blueberries add a pop of color.
✨ Dusted with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
✨ Paired with iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing treat.

---

Final Verdict: Sunshine in Every Bite!

These Lemon Cheesecake Squares are bright, creamy, and utterly irresistible—the kind of dessert that makes any day feel special.

Make a batch today and watch them disappear! 😍