Description
These No-Bake Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing and light dessert with a perfect balance of creamy ricotta and tangy lemon. The crunchy pistachio crust adds a nutty flavor, making each bite irresistible!
Ingredients
- For the Crust: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar 1 pinch salt 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1 1/3 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs (from about 9 crackers) 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted, unsalted pistachios 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- For the Filling: 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened 1 cup confectioners sugar, or to taste 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 pinch salt 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted, unsalted pistachios (optional)
Instructions
-
Drain Ricotta:
Place ricotta into a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl and allow it to drain for at least 1 hour before using. -
Prepare Crust:
Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Combine butter, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture foams and the sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes). Stir in graham cracker crumbs, pistachios, and almond extract until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the pan and freeze for 20 minutes to set. -
Make the Filling:
Combine drained ricotta and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add confectioners sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt, and beat until combined. -
Assemble Bars:
Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth it into an even layer. Freeze for at least 3 hours, until set. -
Cut and Serve:
Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut the bars. Wipe the knife between cuts, running it under hot water as needed. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving. -
Storage:
Keep bars stored in the freezer, but allow them to soften for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg