No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Bars

When it comes to dessert, few treats can rival the refreshing and zesty flavor of lemon, especially when paired with the creamy richness of cheesecake. No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Bars are the perfect embodiment of this delightful combination. With a luscious filling that melts in your mouth and a simple, buttery crust, these bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned baker or someone who shies away from the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success, requiring no oven time at all.

Indulge in the bright, refreshing flavors of No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Bars. This easy recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling that’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Best of all, there's no baking required, making it a breeze to prepare for any occasion. Simply chill, slice, and serve this stunning dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something sweet and zesty!

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Ingredients

Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Zest of 2 lemons

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lemon Swirl Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup water

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.

- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan to form a solid crust. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

- Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the mixture. Gently fold everything together until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Bars:

- Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

- Set aside while you prepare the lemon swirl topping.

Create the Lemon Swirl Topping:

- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, water, and cornstarch. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is beginning to thicken.

- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Allow it to cool slightly.

- Drizzle the lemon swirl mixture over the cheesecake filling in a beautiful pattern. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl it through the filling for a marbled effect.

Chill the Bars:

- Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set – overnight is best for optimal firmness!

Serve:

- Once set, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper, if applicable, and cut into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy your delightful No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Bars!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 4 hours (plus chilling) | 16 bars