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Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

These easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars are ultra creamy and packed with fresh lemon flavor, a perfect alternative to a full cheesecake.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 8 hours
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 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 at room temperature
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.33 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten, at room temperature
  • confectioners’ sugar for dusting, optional

Instructions
 

Make the crust

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8x8 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 feel 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 for a smooth filling. Slice with a sharp knife that is warmed. The bars will keep for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bars, Cheesecake, Dessert, easy, Lemon, sweet
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