Description
A refreshing, creamy no-bake cheesecake with a tangy lemon flavor and a smooth ricotta texture. These cheesecake bars are light and indulgent, perfect for a spring or summer treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- For Garnish (optional):
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 2–3 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Once set, cut into bars and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker crust, increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs and butter for the base.
- You can use store-bought lemon curd for a different flavor twist, spreading it over the cheesecake before chilling.
- For a firmer texture, add a small amount of unflavored gelatin (dissolved in warm water) to the ricotta filling.
- Ensure the cheesecake is fully chilled before slicing to help it maintain its shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg