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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cascade the lemony cream cheese mixture over the golden graham cracker base, smoothing the surface with a gentle touch to eliminate any air pockets.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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