Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping (optional)
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press mixture firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours until fully set.
- Top with whipped cream and lemon zest before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Chill thoroughly for clean slices and proper texture.
- Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest result.
- Baking the crust improves structure and flavor.
- Wipe knife between cuts for neat bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
