Yuzu cheesecake bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves citrus desserts with a sophisticated twist. The combination of yuzu juice, creamy cheesecake filling, and a crisp graham cracker crust creates a dessert that is both elegant and easy to share. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in something delicious, these yuzu cheesecake bars are sure to impress. With a tangy yet sweet flavor, they’re the ideal balance of indulgence and refreshment.
This recipe is designed to give you a mouthwatering dessert that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to enjoy. With minimal effort, you can create a stunning dessert that will stand out at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about yuzu cheesecake bars, from the origin of the recipe to the step-by-step instructions, and even some variations for you to try!
What is Yuzu Cheesecake Bar?
Yuzu cheesecake bars are a modern variation of traditional cheesecake, incorporating yuzu, a citrus fruit commonly used in Japanese cooking. The tangy, aromatic yuzu adds a unique flavor that complements the creamy, rich texture of the cheesecake filling. These bars are an excellent option for those who want a cheesecake dessert but with a refreshing citrus twist. The dessert is baked in a square pan, making it easy to slice into neat, shareable pieces, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
The graham cracker crust forms the base of these bars, providing a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling. When topped with a glossy yuzu glaze, the bars have an added layer of flavor and elegance that makes them feel like a gourmet dessert, yet they’re simple to prepare at home.
The Origin of Yuzu Cheesecake Bars
The origin of the yuzu cheesecake bar can be traced to the growing popularity of Japanese-inspired desserts in the West. Yuzu, a fruit native to East Asia, particularly Japan, has long been used in Japanese cuisine for its distinct flavor. It has a unique profile—a cross between a lemon, lime, and grapefruit, with floral notes that make it stand out from other citrus fruits.
The use of yuzu in desserts has become increasingly popular outside of Japan, as chefs and home bakers alike experiment with this vibrant fruit. The yuzu cheesecake itself is a fusion of Western cheesecake traditions and the exotic appeal of Japanese ingredients. The cheesecake bar format makes the dessert easy to serve and ideal for any occasion, contributing to its growing popularity.
In short, yuzu cheesecake bars combine the best of two culinary worlds: the creamy, decadent appeal of New York-style cheesecake and the fresh, aromatic brightness of yuzu, a fruit celebrated for its complex citrus flavor.
Ingredients for Yuzu Cheesecake Bars (8×8-inch / 20×20 cm pan)
To make your yuzu cheesecake bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust
- 150 g (1½ cups) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- 70 g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream or crème fraîche
- 60 ml (¼ cup) yuzu juice (bottled or fresh, strained)
- 1 tbsp yuzu zest (or lemon zest if unavailable)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Yuzu Glaze (for a glossy finish)
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) yuzu juice
- 40 g (3 tbsp) sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method
Follow these simple steps to make your yuzu cheesecake bars:
1. Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 160°C / 325°F.
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Crust
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir the mixture until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
- Add the sugar and beat until fluffy and well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Once eggs are fully incorporated, add the sour cream, yuzu juice, yuzu zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the cheesecake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes to help prevent cracks.
5. (Optional) Make the Yuzu Glaze
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the yuzu juice, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
- Let it cool slightly, then spread the glaze evenly over the chilled cheesecake before slicing.
6. Chill & Slice
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for 3-4 hours (or preferably overnight) until fully set.
- Lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper, then cut into squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Variations of Yuzu Cheesecake Bars
There are several ways to customize these yuzu cheesecake bars and make them your own. Here are a few suggestions:
Crust Twist
- Try substituting the graham cracker crumbs with crushed shortbread or almond cookies for a richer, more decadent base.
Extra Citrus Pop
- For a more intense citrus flavor, try swirling in 1-2 tbsp of yuzu marmalade before baking the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
Make-Ahead Friendly
- These cheesecake bars keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them (without the glaze) for up to 1 month. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Yuzu cheesecake bars
1. Can I use other citrus fruits instead of yuzu?
Yes! If yuzu is unavailable, you can substitute it with lemon or lime juice for a similar citrusy flavor. However, yuzu has a distinct floral note that may not be fully replicated by other citrus fruits.
2. How long do yuzu cheesecake bars last?
Yuzu cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 1 month.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the texture and flavor of the cheesecake may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and creaminess.
5. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
To avoid cracks, bake the cheesecake in a gentle oven and avoid opening the oven door too early. Cooling the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes also helps prevent cracks.
6. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the yuzu glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before spreading it over the cheesecake.
Conclusion: Yuzu cheesecake bars
Yuzu cheesecake bars are a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, offering the perfect balance of creamy texture and citrusy brightness. They’re a sophisticated and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests without the hassle of a full cheesecake. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own variations, these cheesecake bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, grab your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and indulge in this deliciously creamy treat!
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Yuzu Cheesecake Bars: A Tangy, Creamy Delight for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time ~2 hours)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Yuzu cheesecake bars are a modern variation of traditional cheesecake, incorporating yuzu, a citrus fruit commonly used in Japanese cooking. The tangy, aromatic yuzu adds a unique flavor that complements the creamy, rich texture of the cheesecake filling. These bars are an excellent option for those who want a cheesecake dessert but with a refreshing citrus twist. The dessert is baked in a square pan, making it easy to slice into neat, shareable pieces, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Brownie base:
- 115g unsalted butter
- 120g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 150g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp salt
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Tahini swirl:
- 75g tahini
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp cardamom (optional for extra spice)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prep the pan
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt chocolate & butter
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate together.
- Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix wet ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, cardamom, and salt until light and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture.
4. Add dry ingredients
- Sift in flour and cocoa powder. Fold gently until just combined.
5. Make tahini swirl
- In a small bowl, mix tahini, maple syrup, powdered sugar, cardamom, and salt until smooth.
6. Assemble
- Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dollop spoonfuls of tahini mixture over the top.
- Use a skewer or knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.
7. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly fudgy.
- A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
8. Cool & slice
- Let cool in pan for 20 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For an extra touch, top these bars with a thin layer of yuzu curd or a sprinkle of candied citrus peel. They also pair wonderfully with green tea for a refreshing balance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Yuzu cheesecake, Yuzu dessert bars, Yuzu cream cheese bars
