Easy Lemon Cream Squares Recipe for Sweet Citrus Bliss

Crisp afternoons call for a delightful lemon cream squares treat that sparks joy in every bite.

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when these zesty delicacies emerge from cooling racks.

Creamy textures mingle with bright citrus notes, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Delicate layers promise a perfect balance of tangy and smooth sensations.

Bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert will find pure happiness in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Whip up these squares and watch smiles bloom across faces eager for a lemony escape.

Lemon Cream Squares with a Silky Cheesecake Finish

Unlock Quick Kitchen Magic: Perfect for Busy Bakers

• Master Simple Technique: No advanced pastry skills needed, follow straightforward steps to create a delightful dessert with minimal cooking expertise.
• Speedy Sweet Satisfaction: Total preparation and baking time under 60 minutes, making it an ideal recipe for last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Zesty lemon cheesecake squares appeal to multiple taste preferences, suitable for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend treats with its creamy texture and bright citrus flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cheesecake can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, reducing day-of stress and allowing flavors to develop beautifully, perfect for meal planning and entertaining.

Lemon Cream Squares (Cheesecake) Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet base for the dessert with a nice crumbly texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Helps the crust hold its shape and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, rich base of the cheesecake with a tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help the filling set with a creamy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty citrus flavor to the cheesecake.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense lemon aroma and concentrated citrus flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Slices, Lemon Zest: Optional toppings for decoration and extra flavor.

Lemon Cream Squares Cheesecake Prep

Step 1: Prepare Crust Foundation

Kick off your baking adventure by heating the oven to 325°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Blend these ingredients until they stick together perfectly.

Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid base.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.

Let the crust cool down while you get ready for the next phase.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat cream cheese with sugar until it becomes silky smooth.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• Flour
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks perfectly combined and dreamy.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the center looks slightly set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Lift the cheesecake out using the parchment paper edges.

Cut into perfect squares.

Optional fancy touches include dusting with powdered sugar, adding lemon slice garnishes, or sprinkling fresh lemon zest on top.

Lemon Cream Squares – Dessert Tips

• Toast graham cracker crumbs in the oven for 3-4 minutes before mixing with butter to enhance nutty flavor and improve crunchiness.
• Adjust lemon juice and zest quantities based on personal taste preference – start with less and gradually increase for balanced tanginess.
• Avoid overbeating eggs and use room temperature ingredients to create smooth, crack-free filling that bakes evenly.
• Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
• Warm knife with hot water and wipe dry between each cut to achieve clean, precise square edges without pulling filling.

Lemon Cream Squares Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the squares fresh and preventing them from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen squares from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Warm slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the lemon cream's delicate flavor and softness.

Sweet Snacks for Lemon Cream Squares

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the zesty lemon cream squares, cutting through the richness and highlighting the citrusy notes.
• Brew Herbal Tea Harmony: Steep a light chamomile or mint tea to balance the dessert's sweetness, providing a clean, soothing counterpoint to the tangy cheesecake.
• Match with Candied Lemon Garnish: Craft delicate candied lemon peels as a side accompaniment, enhancing the dessert's citrus profile and adding a sophisticated textural contrast.
• Serve with Whipped Cream Accent: Dollop fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream beside the squares, creating a soft, creamy complement that softens the lemon's bright intensity.

Lemon Cream Squares With Cheesecake Additions

• Gluten-Free Lemon Squares: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to create a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative. Use plant-based egg replacer and coconut oil instead of butter. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Cheesecake Bites: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for diabetic-friendly diets.
• Keto-Friendly Lemon Cream Squares: Use erythritol as a sugar replacement. Create a crust with crushed pecans and melted butter. Incorporate full-fat cream cheese to align with ketogenic macronutrient requirements.

FAQs

• Are these lemon cream squares difficult to make?

These squares are surprisingly easy to prepare. Even beginner bakers can successfully make them with basic kitchen skills and standard ingredients.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but may lack the vibrant taste of freshly squeezed lemons.

• How can I ensure my cheesecake filling doesn't crack?

Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing. Add eggs one at a time and bake in a consistent oven temperature to prevent cracking.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Full-fat, block-style cream cheese gives the smoothest and richest texture. Avoid whipped or low-fat cream cheese for optimal results.

Lemon Cream Squares Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lemon cream squares dance with tangy elegance, blending creamy cheesecake and bright citrus notes. Silky layers promise a refreshing escape that delights your palate with Mediterranean sunshine in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 8-ounce (226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)

Crust Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Lemon slices or zest for garnish

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Instructions

1. Transform the graham cracker base into a sturdy foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter and a hint of sweetness. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking dish, creating an even layer that will support the creamy topping.
2. Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to eliminate any lumps. Gently introduce eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
3. Infuse the filling with bright citrus notes by stirring in fresh lemon juice and delicate zest. Incorporate flour to stabilize the mixture and add a splash of vanilla for depth of flavor.
4. Cascade the lemony cream cheese mixture over the golden graham cracker base, smoothing the surface with a gentle touch to eliminate any air pockets.
5. Slide the pan into a preheated oven, allowing the squares to bake until the center achieves a subtle wobble and the edges begin to pull away slightly from the pan’s sides.
6. Rescue the delicate dessert from the oven and permit it to cool gradually at room temperature, letting the filling set naturally and develop its signature silky texture.
7. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator, allowing the squares to chill and firm up completely. This resting period intensifies the flavors and creates the perfect slicing consistency.
8. When ready to serve, lift the dessert from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into precise squares and dust with a light veil of powdered sugar or garnish with delicate lemon zest curls.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother cream cheese mixture and prevent lumpy texture when blending.
• Avoid overbaking by checking cheesecake early; slight wobble in center indicates perfect, creamy consistency when cooling.
• Zest lemons directly before using to capture maximum citrus oils and enhance bright, fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg