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Lemon Cheesecake Custard Bars

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4.2 from 46 reviews

Lemon Cheesecake Custard Bars are a sophisticated twist on classic Lemon Impossible Pies, featuring naturally layered textures with a soft golden crust, creamy lemon custard center, and a glossy caramelized top. Perfectly balanced with bright lemon flavor and a cheesecake-like texture, these bars make an elegant dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Bar Base

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup milk (whole or preferred)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to allow easy lifting of the bars after baking.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking powder until the mixture is smooth and pale in color. Then add the milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk all ingredients until the batter is silky and well combined; it will be quite thin.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking that the top is lightly golden and the center jiggles slightly but isn’t wet. During baking and cooling, the layers will naturally separate creating a tender base, creamy custard center, and caramelized top.
  4. Cool + Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results and clean slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. Once chilled, slice into neat squares or rectangles.
  5. Serve: Dust the bars generously with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with fresh berries for a vibrant, fresh touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon juice significantly enhances the bright, tangy flavor of the bars.
  • Chilling the bars before slicing helps achieve clean, sharp edges for perfect presentation.
  • Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • For an intensified lemon flavor, consider adding an additional ½ teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.