Skyr Lemon Cheesecake Bars (Printable Version)

Tangy no-bake bars with creamy skyr, bright lemon and buttery crumb base; chill until set for a refreshing dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crust

01 - 200 g digestive biscuits or graham crackers
02 - 80 g unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Filling

05 - 400 g Icelandic skyr (plain)
06 - 250 g full-fat cream cheese, softened
07 - 120 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
08 - 120 g powdered sugar
09 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
11 - 250 ml heavy cream, cold

→ Topping (optional)

12 - Thin lemon slices or zest
13 - Fresh berries
14 - Mint leaves

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Line a 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a food processor, pulse biscuits/graham crackers to fine crumbs. Add melted butter, sugar, and lemon zest; mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in freezer for 10 minutes.
03 - In a large bowl, combine skyr, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
04 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the skyr mixture until well incorporated and no streaks remain.
05 - Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
07 - Remove from pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars. Garnish with lemon slices, fresh berries, or mint if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s secretly the easiest way to impress guests without ever having to bake.
  • The contrast of silky skyr and zippy lemon is completely crave-worthy and lighter than classic cheesecake.
02 -
  • If you try to rush the chill time, the bars will fall apart—patience is crucial for perfect slices.
  • Switching to Greek yogurt once made my bars less set and a bit tangier, so skyr truly makes a difference.
03 -
  • Always zest the lemons before cutting and juicing—they’re much easier to handle whole.
  • Clean your mixer beaters between whipping cream and blending the filling for the fluffiest result.
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