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Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust — the perfect blend of sweet and citrusy goodness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking pan
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into the pan.
  3. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
  4. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, lemon juice, and zest.
  5. Pour filling over crust and bake for 35–40 minutes until center is set.
  6. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Notes

For extra tang, add more lemon zest or a thin layer of lemon curd before chilling.