Lemon Cheesecake Bars are arguably the best of the summer desserts recipe book because they are zesty but light like the summer’s breeze. These bars made with buttery almond flour base, zesty lemon cheesecake filling and topped with pecan crumbs are Lemon Cheesecake Pecan Bars that do not mess with the keto-energy leading characteristics. These bars have approximately 3 net carbs per bar and are ideal for people that are in low carb or ketogenic diet regimens.
The Reason You Are Going to Love This Recipe
Refreshing and Zesty Flavor
Thus, with the richness of cheesecake combined with the rather sharp and fresh taste of lemon, a true taste relieve is achieved. Also, the taste of lemon divides the effect of r affiliation richness, creating a unique and gratifying sensation with every bite of cheesecake.
Versatile Dessert
Cheesecake is a very general and simple desert that can equally be made for regular and formal parties. This recipe allows flexibility: Speaking of the pecan crumb topping, you can enjoy it, or you can have a rather plain finish with freshly whipped cream instead.
Good for Several Special Diets
This recipe is good, and it does not also disregard special needs out there such as, gluten-free, vegan, paleo among others. This sweet treat is sugar-free, low-carb, keto certified, and gluten-free to satisfy any crowd’s cravings.
Preparation of Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Below is a brief look at the ingredients you will need to prepare these lemon cheesecake bars. For the full version of the recipe, and a printable version, hop to the end of the guide. You’ll need:
- Almond Flour: Perfect for the crust as it will have to be absorbent and possess a certain type of texture for the recipe. Those with coconut flour should not be used as they have a different absorption quality.
- Butter: Either can be used but, if opting for unsalted butter, the amount of salt in the recipe needs to be adjusted.
- Sweetener: As for sweeteners, confectioners monkfruit sweetener is advised, although Swerve might be used instead. If you do not stress the matter of carb counting, then normal powdered sugar is also fine.
- Egg: It is recommended to use a large egg which should be allowed to come to room temperature before using for this recipe.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream needed can either be the full-fat or low-fat one.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: when preparing a juice or zest, they should be fresh because the fresh fruits will provide the BEST flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Grade A pure vanilla extract is used as it has a better taste which when used with lemon will produce the best flavor.
- Pecans: These are used in the crumble topping; you can use walnuts or almonds if desired.
Tools and Equipment
Apart from the ingredients, non-stick an 8×8 inch pan, aluminum foil or parchment paper, electric mixer and few bowls. The right pan size must be used; otherwise, the bars may come out very thin and not ideal for cutting.
This guide will teach you how to prepare Lemon cheesecake bars.
Preparing the Crust
- Line the Pan: First, prepare the baking dish: a thin layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper, of 8 squares by 8 should do. Before cooking, lightly grease it with cooking oil to avoid the food from sticking to the surface.
- Make the Dough: In one bowl, mix almond flour, sweetener and melted butter into a paste such that it can be molded easily.
- Press the Dough: Spread the dough to the bottom and its sides of the prepared pan, so it will cover the base homogeneously.
How you can prepare Lemon Cheesecake Layer
- Mix the Ingredients: In a big bowl, first beat cream cheese and Add in the sour cream, egg, sweetener, lemon peel, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Blend Until Smooth: Placing the mixture that is the ingredients for the paste in an electric mixer, ensure that after adding all the components, it is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over Crust: Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust and using the side to side and forward and backward upward motion smooth the mixture.
Making the Pecan Crumble Topping
- Prepare the Crumble: For the crumble topping, gradually mix the cold butter, almond flour, pecans and sweetener in a food processor. Process in the food processor until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Otherwise, it is also possible to use a bowl and a pastry cutter.
- Sprinkle Over Cheesecake: In the next step, spread the lemon cheesecake layer above and sprinkle crumbs over it uniformly; continue pressing it gently on the cheesecake.
Baking the Bars
Preheat the Oven: In the 1st stage, involve heating the baking oven for about 350 F or 175 C so as to overhear on the baking process.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated over and bake in the middle rack for slightly 25-30 min’s. You want to check on them from around the 15-20 minute mark; if the crumble topping is getting too dark then lightly tent with foil.
Cool Down: Further, it is recommendable to bring the bars to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator. In terms of the preparation suggestions, it is advised to allow the cake to cool for not less than 2 hours before attempting to cut the cake.
Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Each bar has about 3 net carbs!
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1¼ cup blanched superfine almond flour
- 2 tablespoons confectioners monkfruit sweetener
- Lemon Cheesecake:
- 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup confectioners monkfruit sweetener
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, tightly packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crumb Topping
- 2½ tablespoons cold butter
- ¼ cup blanched superfine almond flour
- ¼ cup pecans
- 1 tablespoon confectioners monkfruit sweetener
Directions
- Take the cookies out of the freezer and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). and lightly grease an 8×8 inch pan.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, almond flour, and sweetener. Press the crust into the prepared pan.
- For the cheesecake filling, combine softened cream cheese, egg, sour cream, sweetener, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Carefully pour the mixture over the crust.
- For the crumble topping, in a bowl or a food processor, mix cold butter, almond flour, pecans and sweetener of your choice. Process until the mixture is mealy in texture, this is similar to the sand like texture in the regular cookie dough.
- Next, pour this crumb topping over the cheesecake layer.
- The batter or the mixture should be baked in an oven for 25-30minutes or more depending with the texture of the batter. If the topping is browning too fast, then the foil can somewhat cover the food to slow the process.
- Take the bars out from the oven and let them cool to the normal temperature and then chill. Let to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing & serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories:331kcal
- Carbohydrates:4g
- Protein:6.2g
- Fat:27g
- Cholesterol:78mg
- Sodium:158mg
- Fiber:0.9g
- Sugar:0.9g
Recommendations for the Best Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Use High-Quality Ingredients
Use the best you can get such as the cream cheese, eggs, lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter is softened, the cream cheese is also at room temperature and eggs are also free from the refrigerator.
Proper Baking Time and Temperature
Here adhere to the baking time and the required temperature so that one does not get a cheesecake that looks like a cake with a tough crust and still a raw center.
Cooling and Cutting
Ensure the cheesecake to cool at room temperature without refrigerating it. To cutting shiny slices, it is recommended to chill the cheesecake in the freezer before doing so.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars in an airtight container for about 5 days only.
- Freezing: After this, it is recommended to wrap the bars in plastic wrap and then put into an airtight container or a freezer bag. For best quality it is recommended to consume it immediately, but it can be frozen for up to three months. Bring to thaw at room temperature or keep in the refrigerator overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get away with not including the crumb topping?
Yes, you can, if you wish to do so, you can leave out the crumb topping altogether. bars will bake slightly faster without it.
How Strong is the Lemon Flavor?
The feel of the lemon flavor is quite strong. If you wish, you can decrease the lemon zest measurements used creating a less sharp lemon flavor.
Are These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, these are gluten free