No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Cuisine: Dessert
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 9-12 bars
 
Ingredients
Crust
  • 12 graham cracker sheets
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 tbsp. granulated sugar
Filling
  • 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ tsp. lemon extract
  • 1½ cups chopped fresh strawberries, plus additional for topping if desired
Instructions
  1. Place graham cracker sheets in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and add melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix to combine.
  2. Spray an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal. Press graham cracker mixture down firmly and evenly and freeze for 15 minutes while you make the filling.
  3. In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  4. Add strawberries and mix to combine. The strawberries will break up as they are mixed in and you will see some pieces of strawberries as well.
  5. Remove prepared crust from freezer and spread cream cheese mixture on top. Freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  6. Loosen the edges of the cheesecake bars with a knife and remove using parchment paper. Cut into pieces using a sharp knife. I cut mine into 12 bars but you can also cut into 9 for larger bars!
  7. Let bars sit for 15 minutes before enjoying. Bars can also be refrigerated or frozen until ready to eat.
Recipe by For the Love of Gourmet at https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/no-bake-strawberry-lemon-cheesecake-bars/