Description
Delicious cheesecake bars with a creamy filling infused with zesty lemon and a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it’s well-coated for easy removal.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid crust.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest until fully combined.
- Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add drops of the remaining cheesecake mixture on top of the first layer and use a knife to create gentle swirling motions.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken gently.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: You can bake these bars a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg