If you’re a fan of cheesecake but want something a little different, these Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Bars will be your new go-to. Combining the richness of cream cheese with the zingy freshness of lemon and the subtle warmth of ginger, these bars are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spiced flavors. They’re an ideal treat whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to indulge in a sophisticated dessert at home.
A Flavor Combination That Excites
Cheesecake is a classic dessert, but sometimes the traditional flavor can feel too heavy. The addition of lemon brings a bright freshness that lightens the creamy texture, while ground ginger adds a subtle spice that elevates the overall flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for when you want something rich but not overly sweet or heavy.
The buttery crust, made with a touch of ginger, sets the stage for the smooth, tangy filling. These bars are baked to perfection and are deliciously balanced, making them irresistible.
How to Customize Your Bars
These Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Bars are pretty fantastic as-is, but you can also play around with the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for customizing them:
- Crust Variations: If you’re looking to switch up the crust, try using crushed graham crackers or ginger snaps instead of flour. This will enhance the ginger flavor and add a bit more texture to the crust.
- Extra Lemon: For those who love a more pronounced lemon flavor, swirl some lemon curd into the filling before baking. It’ll create beautiful ribbons of intense lemony goodness.
These small tweaks allow you to make the recipe your own, whether you prefer more zest, crunch, or spice.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cheesecake bars are elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make for an everyday dessert. Their balance of tangy and creamy flavors makes them perfect for both summer and winter – refreshing for warm days and comforting during chilly ones. You can serve them as a light dessert after a meal or bring them to gatherings and watch as they quickly disappear from the dessert table.
What to Serve With These Bars
While these bars are delightful on their own, here are a few pairing suggestions to make them even more special:
- Tea: A warm cup of orange spice tea or a light herbal blend complements the bright and zesty flavors of the cheesecake bars.
- Berries: Serve them with a side of fresh berries or a berry compote for added sweetness and a burst of color.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a delicate creaminess that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon.
These combinations create a complete dessert experience that will impress anyone you serve them to.
Storing Your Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Bars
To keep your cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge for a few hours.
These bars can easily be made ahead of time, making them the perfect dessert for when you want to prepare in advance.
Baking Tips for Success
For the best results, follow these simple tips when making your Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Bars:
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps it mix more smoothly with the other ingredients and prevents lumps in the filling.
- Avoid Overmixing the Eggs: When adding the eggs, beat on low speed just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can cause cracks in your cheesecake.
- Let It Cool Slowly: Once baked, let the bars cool slowly at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This helps prevent the top from cracking and ensures a creamy texture.
With their creamy texture, zesty lemon flavor, and warm ginger spice, Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing and elegant take on the classic cheesecake. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to delight. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a great dessert to make any time you want to impress.
Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
For the filling
- 1 pound cream cheese softened*
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Make the crust
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, ground ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms crumbs. You can use your fingers to help bring it together.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches the corners.
- Chill the crust in the fridge for 10 minutes, then blind bake for 10 minutes, until the edges begin to turn lightly golden.
- After baking, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
Make the filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar, ginger, and lemon zest, and continue beating until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add the lemon juice and mix on medium until well incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until well mixed.
Assemble and bake
- Pour the filling onto the baked crust, making sure to spread it evenly and push it into the corners.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the dessert to cool for 30 minutes, then let it cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use block cream cheese, not whipped or tubbed varieties.
- For extra lemon flavor, swirl 3-4 tablespoons of lemon curd into the top of the filling before baking.