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).
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer, beat together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, then lemon juice and zest, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and fold into the cream cheese mixture until just mixed.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours until firm.
- Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
Let the bars chill in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
These bars can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.