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Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert featuring a creamy filling and a buttery crust, perfect for any occasion.
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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

  • 8×8 baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • Silicone Spatula

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 0.33 cups granulated sugar

Filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.33 cups 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

It is important for all the ingredients to be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy filling. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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 bars, cheesecake, Dessert, Easy, lemon
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