Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ cups crushed graham cracker crumbs (150 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted & slightly cooled (70 grams))
- 16 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened to room temperature (452 grams; 2 blocks))
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (60 grams)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135 grams)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (about 1 medium lemon)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) for the crust.
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
- Mix the crushed graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir in melted butter until moistened.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan evenly, using a measuring cup if needed.
- Bake for 10 minutes and cool slightly. Keep oven at 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixer, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add ⅔ cup sugar and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping the sides of the bowl. Mix until combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add to the cream cheese mixture and combine on low speed.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours until firm.
- Lift out using the parchment overhang, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest.
Let the bars chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices for neat presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.