Do you ask yourself, “What dessert is luscious and satisfying and yet not fussy to make?” Well, I might have an answer to that!
How about a slice or two of this creamy cheesecake with a hint of lemon taste? It doesn’t need to bake in a water bath and no need to worry about curdling and cracking.
And if you like NY cheesecake, you’re looking at an easy and equally delicious alternative. I have made this many times because it’s that good.
This is a tested and perfected recipe from Jenn Segal of Once Upon a Chef, a trained Chef and a book author.
For other cheesecake recipes, check out:
* Basque Burnt Cheesecake
* Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce
Cheesecake Bars
Creamy and rich cheesecake bars with a hint of lemony goodness.
Servings: 16 squares
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUST
- 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs, from 10 whole crackers
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
FOR THE FILLING
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp all purpose flour
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp packed freshly grated lemon zest, from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line an 8-inch baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil (so that there is an overhang on at least 2 sides) and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until well combined, using your fingertips if necessary to be sure no lumps of brown sugar remain. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until set. Remove the crust from the oven and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
- Make the batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with beaters or the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour together on medium speed until just smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt; beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute. Do not over-mix.
- Pour the batter into the slightly cooled crust. Check to make sure your oven has cooled to 325°F, then bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the filling is set but still a little jiggly in the center. (An instant-read thermometer, inserted into the filling about 1" in from the edge, should read between 180°-190°F.) The cheesecake will continue to cook as it cools. Remove the bars from the oven, and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, at least 6 hours but preferably overnight.
- Use the foil overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares, wiping the knife clean with a damp cloth between slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Let the cheesecake bars chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.