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Cheesecake Bars

These Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that is smooth, creamy, and easy to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, they combine a rich filling with a buttery crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 9 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 cup ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 pinch Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.75 cup ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 1 zest Zest of one lemon (optional) For a zesty twist

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined and press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan.
  3. Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, then mix again. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
  6. After baking, let the bars cool on the counter for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting into squares.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the eggs to prevent cracks. You can get creative with toppings like fruit or chocolate drizzle. These bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, or even frozen for future use.