Description
Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars are a light and refreshing dessert featuring a creamy lemon filling made with Greek yogurt and cream cheese, set over a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) or melted coconut oil
- 6 ounces brick cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup plain nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional for garnish: lemon slices and fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar, and melted butter or coconut oil. Press into the pan to form a crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt and beat until combined.
- Add eggs and egg yolk, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add 1/3 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 34–38 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Use parchment paper overhang to lift bars out. Slice into squares or rectangles. Garnish with lemon slices and blueberries if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and yogurt for a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake — the center should have a slight jiggle when done.
- For cleaner cuts, chill thoroughly and use a hot, sharp knife.
- You can substitute the crust with gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.
- These bars can be frozen and served as a frozen treat on warm days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars, lemon dessert bars, healthy lemon bars, yogurt lemon squares, creamy lemon bars