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Lemon Cheesecake Bars

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Creamy lemon cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and swirls of bright lemon pie filling. A rich, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for making ahead.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup salted butter (melted)
  • 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup lemon pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Alternatively, spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted salted butter, and light brown sugar until well mixed.
  4. Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer.
  5. Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it begins to brown.
  6. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth.
  7. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  8. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth it into an even layer.
  9. Drop dollops of lemon pie filling over the cheesecake mixture, then gently swirl with a butter knife.
  10. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The center can remain slightly jiggly because it will finish setting as it chills.
  11. Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  12. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or longer, until completely chilled and set.
  13. Once thoroughly chilled, cut into 9 bars and serve.

Notes

  • If parchment paper is unavailable, coat the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • A slightly jiggly center after baking is normal and will firm up as the cheesecake chills.
  • For clean slices, chill the cheesecake completely before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts.
  • The bars can be chilled overnight for convenient make-ahead preparation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/lemon-cheesecake-bars/