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Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

These Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat, featuring a creamy lemon filling on a buttery graham cracker crust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9 slices
Calories 223 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • silicone spatula
  • oven

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

For the filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg at room temperature, lightly beaten
  • confectioners’ sugar for dusting, optional

Instructions
 

Make the crust

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8×8 baking pan with aluminum foil and spray lightly with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  • Combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Press it into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool while making the filling.

Make the filling

  • Reduce the oven temperature to 300ºF.
  • Beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Beat in the sugar until well combined.
  • Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat until combined. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the egg into the batter until fully incorporated.
  • Pour over prepared crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges of the filling feels firm but the center remains jiggly.
  • Leave cheesecake in pan to cool completely then refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
  • Lift the foil out of the pan and cut the cheesecake into squares. Dust with confectioner’s sugar if desired.

Notes

Important to use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, creamy filling. For slicing, use a warmed sharp knife. Bars can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container and can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 146mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 507IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword baking, cheesecake bars, easy dessert, lemon cheesecake, party desserts, sweet treats
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